Chicago Cubs Start Spring Training with Big Hopes

The Chicago Cubs have started their spring training. They have added new players, including Alex Bregman, and have high hopes for winning this year. Players seem excited and ready for the challenge ahead.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Spring training has commenced for the Chicago Cubs, with the team signaling a marked increase in their competitive outlook for the upcoming season. Reports indicate a palpable sense of ambition within the organization, stemming from recent roster enhancements and a collective desire to surpass previous achievements. The players and management appear united in their pursuit of significant postseason success, suggesting a departure from a more tentative approach to team building.

Chicago Cubs begin spring training hungry for more: 'The group collectively is just trying to raise the level' - 1

Team’s Strategic Maneuvers and Roster Fortification

The Cubs' preparations for the new season have been characterized by a series of deliberate actions aimed at bolstering the team's competitiveness.

Chicago Cubs begin spring training hungry for more: 'The group collectively is just trying to raise the level' - 2

  • Offseason Acquisitions: The team has actively pursued and secured key player acquisitions during the offseason. Notably, Alex Bregman, an All-Star third baseman, has joined the roster. Pitcher Edward Cabrera and a new group of relievers have also been integrated into the team.

  • Addressing Past Deficiencies: The organization acknowledges previous shortcomings. A concerted effort was made to add an impact starting pitcher and to sign Bregman, goals that were not met in the prior year. The team also pursued Kyle Tucker, suggesting a strategic focus on acquiring proven talent.

  • Player Development Focus: There is an emphasis on extracting further performance from existing talent. Players like Tucker are expected to benefit from the enhanced roster, and efforts are being made to develop versatile players like Matt Shaw, who is seeing increased work in the outfield.

Expectations and Player Sentiment

The prevailing sentiment among the Cubs players and leadership is one of heightened expectation and a proactive embrace of the challenges ahead.

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  • Elevated Goals: The team is not shying away from setting lofty goals, including aspirations for the World Series. This differs from previous years where the team might have been perceived as an "underdog."

  • Hunger and Motivation: Expectations are viewed not as a source of anxiety, but as a catalyst for increased hunger and motivation within the group. Players are described as being "excited to get started" and possessing "unfinished business."

  • Palpable Excitement: Reports from the start of spring training note that the "excitement in camp is palpable," indicating a positive and energetic atmosphere among the players.

Key Personnel and Areas of Focus

Several players and team dynamics are drawing particular attention as spring training begins.

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  • Alex Bregman's Impact: The acquisition of Alex Bregman is a significant storyline. The team made a strong effort to sign him, falling short in the previous year's bidding process. His presence is expected to elevate the team's performance.

  • Pitching Staff Health: The health of the team's pitching staff is a critical question entering the season. Injuries have impacted the team in the past, including the case of Cade Horton experiencing a fractured rib due to persistent coughing.

  • International Competition and Player Involvement: A notable number of Cubs players are slated to participate in international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Thirteen players are expected to represent their countries, including Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki. This international play raises concerns about player availability and potential injury risks before the regular season.

Expert Analysis

The team's strategic approach and player acquisitions are generating commentary from those observing the league.

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"You work hard to get expectations. … You work really hard to build a roster that has expectations, work really hard to get on a team that has expectations." — Unnamed team member, cited in Chicago Tribune.

"The Cubs made an attempt to sign Alex Bregman prior to last season but fell short in the free-agent bidding process." — MLB.com.

"Landing Bregman a year ago might have helped draw more out of Tucker, who was an All-Star in the first half and a non-factor for long stretches in the second half." — The Athletic.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Chicago Cubs are embarking on their spring training with a demonstrably higher level of ambition and a more robust roster compared to previous seasons. The organization has made significant moves in the offseason, including the prominent acquisition of Alex Bregman, and has focused on addressing areas of past weakness. The collective mindset within the team appears to be one of driven determination, with expectations for the postseason being openly acknowledged and embraced. Key areas to monitor will include the health of the pitching staff, the integration of new players, and the team's ability to translate its strengthened roster into on-field success throughout the upcoming campaign.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the new players for the Cubs?
The Cubs have added players like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera. They also brought in new relief pitchers.
Q: What are the team's goals this year?
The team has high goals and hopes to do well in the playoffs and possibly win the World Series.
Q: Are many Cubs players playing in international games?
Yes, about thirteen Cubs players will play for their countries in games like the World Baseball Classic.
Q: Is the team's pitching staff healthy?
The health of the pitchers is important. Some players have had injuries in the past.