Though Super Bowl Sunday rarely coincides with the start of spring training, such is not the case this year. With the Cubs starting their season in Japan, pitchers and catchers were already out on the field Sunday morning in Mesa, Arizona. “I’m glad we’re the first ones to get started,” manager Craig Counsell said, having been at the complex before sunrise in footage captured by Marquee Network.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is all out on his expectations for this season. Having spent several years rebuilding after their championship glory, he figures that it is time to put an end to the four-year playoff drought. PECOTA projections give the Cubs a generous 90-game-win season, comfortably placing them atop the NL Central; for Hoyer, however, such numbers are not yet to be taken fully seriously.

Cubs Set Sights on Playoffs Amid High Expectations

“I think the goal, given where we are as an organization, is to make the playoffs,” Hoyer said. “Winning the division is a part of that, but ultimately, getting to October and having playoff baseball is the focus.” Sitting beside Hoyer, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins chimed in, emphasizing their belief in this team. “You don’t trade for Kyle Tucker unless you think you’ve got a strong team,” Hawkins said. That Tucker trade was undoubtedly the Cubs’ biggest offseason move. The 28-year-old outfielder from Houston has a career OPS of .870 and brings a huge boost to the lineup in MLB.

But he’s also set to hit free agency after this season. That raises the stakes—especially with Hoyer entering the final year of his contract. “There’s increased pressure, and I think there should be,” Hoyer admitted. “We’ve spent time building to this moment, and now it’s time to enjoy it and go for it.” Hoyer has taken heat for the Cubs’ near misses over the past couple of years. When pointed out that Chicago hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017, he admitted he felt more pressure as well, “I take the job personally and want to put a winner on the field…this year feels like increased pressure & probably should be.”

If they win now while maintaining one of the top-ranked farm systems in baseball, it could take some of the pressure off. But if things go south, scrutiny will only grow.

“One thing about this job is I take it personally,” Hoyer said. “You want to put a winning team on the field. You want to be proud of the product.” Despite the mounting pressure, Hoyer remains optimistic, he said. “This year and beyond, there are a lot of bright days ahead.” Rumors are swirling that the Cubs might pursue free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but Hoyer stayed tight-lipped on the topic.

On potential roster moves

Jed Hoyer allowing for roster additions has made it clear from the outset that the Cubs value depth as their primary objective. With an eye wide open for any opportunities, Hoyer noted, “You guys probably get tired of me talking about depth, but that’s the focus now-shoring up any weak spots and building redundancy where we can.”

Meanwhile, GM Carter Hawkins gave an insight into how one of the key players was coming along and said that while it’s still not decided whether he’ll be available for Opening Day, either in Japan or Arizona, so far, he is recovering well. “He’s throwing and hitting again, and so far, everything is going according to plan,” Hawkins said. “We expect him to be in plenty of games this season, hopefully from the start.”

Players have fine-tuned their offseason routines to adjust for an earlier season opener. “Everyone adjusted their offseason schedules to prepare for the earlier start,” Hawkins said. “It feels like the first day of camp, but our guys shouldn t need to rush. They’ve been working since November to be ready in time.” Manager Craig Counsell also stated that Shota Imanaga would pitch in Japan’s home-opener. “I don’t think I have a choice,” he joked. “I think it’s mandated.”

With the commencement of spring training, expectations are high for the Cubs with the front office and the coaching staff cognizant of what’s at stake. With talent in place and players stepping up, it’s all about producing results on the field in what could be a season of a lifetime.