Despite Prior Frustrations, Cubs’ $85M Star Made to Accept a Positional Shift

After breaking their historic 108-year championship drought with a World Series victory in 2016, the Chicago Cubs now find themselves recalibrating to recapture that elusive success. This offseason has been a turning point, with strategic moves aimed at re-establishing a team capable of competing at the largest level.

At the heart of such transformation is a vital positional shift for Seiya Suzuki, a vital offensive contributor. As the Cubs work to balance individual roles with team needs, they hope such management will reignite their postseason aspirations. And safeguard from another prolonged wait for glory.

How Suzuki and the Cubs identified a basic ground

Seiya Suzuki faced an unexpected issue when asked to transition to a DH role. He has established his reputation as a reliable outfielder and carried the weight of an $85 million contract.  For such a player, it was a value-decrease situation. In addition, the Cubs were reconstructing their outfield. The team is working on Kyle Tucker as well as the rise of Pete Crow-Armstrong. However, it is leaving little room for Suzuki in his usual defensive spot. Reports highlighted Suzuki’s openness to assessing other teams which could link with his preferences, enhancing speculation related to his future with the Cubs.

After honest discussions, the Cubs reassured Suzuki of his necessity. His offensive consistency, highlighted by a career .824 OPS and a 129 wRC+, was highlighted as a vital piece of their strategy. Manager Craig Counsell’s straightforward declaration, “Seiya is going to DH a lot. That is what’s going to happen“, underscored the team’s commitment to enhancing his power. Now, with Tucker’s versatile capability established and poised to enhance the outfield, the Cubs have crafted a balanced lineup. This dynamic sets the stage for the larger effect of Tucker’s arrival, assessed in the next section.

An approach for managing team needs and the talent

The re-signing of Kyle Tucker enhanced the Cubs’ commitment to establish a roster of large-effect players. In 2024, Tucker posted an impressive .289/.408/.585 slash line, with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs. In that year he earned his third Gold Glove. His career .888 OPS, 112 home runs as well as 80 stolen bases since 2021 further solidify his standing. Signing him highlights the team’s strategic approach: to prioritize defense without compromising on offensive firepower.

However, is this enough for the Cubs to win the title? The Cubs’ current outfield depth is guided by Suzuki, Tucker, Crow-Armstrong as well as Happ. It highlights a glaring need for an additional center-field-capable player. With no clear backup to Crow-Armstrong after Mike Tauchman’s departure, the team faces limited internal options. In addition, Canario’s experience is basically in the corners. And Alcántara’s enhancement makes a bench role less ideal. Analyzing outer options, like, Michael A. Taylor as well as Kevin Pillar could provide the experienced depth.

Kyle Tucker indeed enhances the Cubs for 2025. However, the Cubs need to accept that Tucker is a one-year outcome before free agency. The NL is tough for the Cubs. Players like Mookie Betts from the Dodgers, Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Braves, and Juan Soto from the Padres are tough competitors for Tucker and Suzuki. To ensure a competitive edge, the Cubs must address this depth issue swiftly. What is your thought on this?