*Photo from Bleacher Report*
Back to Chicago, where the Cubs offseason is profiled.
2019 recap
After remaining in the playoff chase most of the year, the Cubs fell flat in September due to a combination of injuries and underperformance. They finished 3rd in the NL central at 84-78, well out of playoff contention.
What you need to know
The Cubs didn't have a clear objective this offseason. They started off the winter by hiring former Cubs catcher David Ross, a member of the 2016 World Series championship team, as their new manager. After several fringe signings and minor transactions, the team sent utility man Tony Kemp to Oakland for a minor league first baseman. They traded for bullpen help in Casey Sadler, and then traded for Travis Lakins from Boston, only to waive him shortly thereafter. At the end of January, they signed some outfield depth to replace Nicholas Castellanos in Steven Souza Jr. They signed a bounce back candidate in Jeremy Jeffress, and some middle infield depth in Jason Kipnis to wrap up the offseason.
Moves I like
Souza Jr and Kipnis are good bounce back candidates at low risk. If they can stay healthy, they should stick on the major league roster.
Moves I don't like
A lot of what Chicago did puzzled me. It was all fringe depth acquisitions when they needed someone who could make an immediate impact.
2020 outlook
The Cubs didn't do much in the winter, and their record will reflect that. They should improve by a couple wins, but will stay on the outside looking in in terms of the playoff picture all year.
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