The Chicago Cubs being labeled as a “Third Place Team” comes as no surprise following the poor offseason. They have been an active team this winter on the trade market; however, they managed to earn a middling draft, which was once considered to be great. They did not manage to add any big free agents, which might be a problem. The Cubs responded to the need for star power in their lineup by signing Houston Astros’ Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade.

The Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker; however, they released Cody Bellinger. Although the move was made mainly because of his contract, where he owed $27.5 million in 2025 and another $25 million for 2026, it might be a major mistake. Cody’s performance was excellent, as he had eight home runs, 24 RBIs, and a batting average of.400. In this process, the Cubs are left with a major question regarding who should play the third base on the opening day.

Chicago Cubs earn a “Third Place Team” tag amidst a poor offseason

The Chicago Cubs’ offseason is something that they would like to forget. This team looks weaker and seems unlikely to dominate any other team unless there are breakout seasons. Despite adding Kyle Tucker, they were unable to bring any major free agents into their lineup. A top MLB insider on January 3 said during the podcast, “I think it will be more bold for you to say that they are a third-place team on the opening day when we do our actual season predictions.”

Going by the statement, it’s true that the Cubs are an unfinished product. They had a B draft, getting new players like the third baseman, Cam Smith, who ranked in the top 15 but was a high-risk, high-reward player. The Cubs’ addition of Kyle Tucker makes a lot of sense, though. He slashed 274/. 353/. 516 along with 125 home runs and 94 stolen bases, and he has been a strong defender in the right field.

It is also true that bringing Tucker has created a gap in the lineup’s third base. However, the Cubs’ losing out on Cody Bellinger is a big miss.

Cody Bellinger’s performance with the Cubs was great; however, the decision had been made due to the contract owing to his $27.5M in 2025. His production suffered a major decline last year, as he finished with just 18 homers and 78 RBIs when playing in the right field. He also suffered a fracture in the ribs and finger, due to which he missed a good number of games as well. Following his release, Kyle Tucker’s addition didn’t help the Chicago Cubs much, as they did not add any other major free agents. The departure of Paredes further left a void in the team, leaving it without a strong option at third base. Due to this, the lineup hasn’t improved, increasing the likelihood of a poor upcoming season. However, the Cubs are on the hunt for an international free agent, Roki Sasaki.

Chicago Cubs are on the hunt for an international free agent, Roki Sasaki

After a major outfield upgrade, the Cubs are in pursuit of a pitching option. The franchise has its eyes on the free agent Roki Sasaki. While there are speculations surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers trying to land him, the Cubs are hoping to sign Sasaki just as they signed Shota Imanaga last winter. Imanaga’s success in the MLB after his transfer from Japanese baseball to the US is extraordinary. Speculations are high regarding Sasaki’s approach to coming to the mound and playing against the best players with all the team’s resources available.

While many perceive Roki Sasaki to make an immediate impact immediately after joining MLB, this must not be the case. He must have been given some time and looked more like a prospect. Roki is just 23 years old, and he can surely make a significant impact once he plays with all resources and against the best players. It can help him to learn and gradually become a star pitcher in the upcoming times as well. The Cubs would like to bring the same success with Sasaki as the success that Shota managed to achieve in his first MLB campaign. Matt Shaw is another name that the Chicago Cubs may be interested in.

Matt Shaw had a great last season, slashing .284/.379/.488 and 21 homers, along with 71 RBIs and 31 steals in the 121 games that he played. He even made it to the All-World team after making .412/.500/.706 with 14 RBIs and 24 total bases. With Michael Busch at the third and infielder Gage Workman, the Cubs would surely look to enhance their lineup. Shaw could be a great prospect from the upper level, as he would add depth to the team and make them a powerhouse of talent. What’s your take on whether the Cubs might bring Matt Shaw or not? Share your comments below.