MLB Updates: Chicago Cubs Unaffected by Losing Rhys Hoskins Sweepstakes, as Top Prospect Shows Promise

The Chicago Cubs faithful are pacing the Friendly Confines like a caged bear on a double espresso. Team president Jed Hoyer, after a pre-Cubs Convention flurry, seems to have retreated to his winter cave, leaving fans gnawing on fingernails and wondering, “When will the next big signing land?”

Every ripple in the free agent pond sends shockwaves through the fan bases, and when Rhys Hoskins inked a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, it felt like a Cubs sweater was set ablaze on the altar of rival loyalty. But hold your horses, Cubbies—the Wrigley brass might be more “meh” than “mayday” about the whole Hoskins thing—and there’s a hidden curveball coming from the rigmarole.

Chicago Cubs snooze on Hoskins, but eye Busch to balance Wrigley’s bats

Here’s the curveball ever so lightly thrown in by the team, as The Athletic has noticed: Hoskins’ name may have danced around the Windy City like autumn leaves since October, but the Chicago Cubs have always envisioned him on a one-year waltz—a Cody Bellinger encore. Why? Let’s unravel the mystery.

First, Michael Busch has waltzed onto the scene, filling the first base void with his .167/.247/.539 LA Dodgers’ record. Second, Hoskins wasn’t exactly pirouetting toward the designated hitter role, and cramming him there would mean Christopher Morel’s at-bats would be stuck in the bleachers. Finally, the Cubs have a serious case of righty-itis, an aversion to pull hitters that rivals a Kardashian’s distaste for subtlety.

Sure, Hoskins crushes righties with the ferocity of a Wrigleyville hot dog vendor on opening day—his career 118 wRC+ against them is enough to make Joe Maddon shed a tear—but Hoyer made it clear as a Chicago Cubs fan’s seventh-inning stretch rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” that they’re searching for southpaw sluggers to tango with the right-handed pitching hordes.

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So, while Hoskins munches on cheese curds in Milwaukee, Cubs’ fans shouldn’t be reaching for the panic button just yet. The front office has a plan, and though it already has Busch bylining the infield mashup, it might just involve a Bellinger-to-Wrigley-outfield blockbuster. Remember, the quietest off-seasons can lead to the loudest playoff roars. Just ask the 2023 Cubs!

Bellinger in Blue? Wrigley waits as price tag looms

Cody Bellinger’s Chicago Cubs homecoming hangs in the balance, a $200 million question mark hovering over Wrigley Field. Despite “widespread belief” in a reunion (per MLB.com), his hefty price tag gives Jed Hoyer pause. Cody Love’s 2023 MVP resurgence with the Cubs (.307/.356/.525) still stings with memories, but first-base prospect Michael Busch shifts the focus to left-handed bats.

Bellinger remains the dream, his youthful power unmatched by potential fallbacks like Justin Turner or J. D. Martinez. Brandon Belt, a lefty slugger, could be a platoon partner, but not the headliner fans crave.

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Hoyer urges patience. Matt Chapman and other options remain. A trade? Anything’s possible. February looms, and with it, the chance for a Bellinger encore. Until then, Wrigley waits, savoring the anticipation of a potential off-season masterpiece.