When will the Chicago Cubs make a turnaround? A question the fans have been asking for a long time, and every year, the result is the same: not reaching the playoffs.
But this time, there’s a new voice leading the charge: Craig Counsell. The Cubs’ new manager has stepped up, outlining his vision for the upcoming season. And with a resume that includes decades of experience—both playing and managing—across seven MLB teams, his words carry weight.
So, should Cubs fans dare to dream again? Maybe. But before looking ahead, it’s worth asking: What’s been holding the team back all these years?
The Cubs are currently not playing well, primarily due to a lack of consistent offensive production across their lineup, combined with an inconsistent bullpen and a general lack of depth in their roster, meaning they struggle to overcome injuries or slumps from key players; this has led to a significant drop in run scoring compared to previous seasons. They last won the World Series ring in 2016, and their last NL pennants also came in the same year. Since 2016, the team has been gasping for a ring, baring their Central Division titles in 2017 and 2020.
“The way I see it is that the Chicago Cubs should be expected to be in the playoffs and we should have those expectations every single year.”
Craig Counsell joins 30 Clubs in 15 Days to share his thoughts from @Cubs camp.@TMobile | @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/RRXwR1ZbLy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 9, 2025
“The way I see it is that the Chicago Cubs should be expected to be in the playoffs, and we should have those expectations every single year,” Counsell said in an interview with the MLB Network. A stern ultimatum for the clubhouse about what is expected from them this year and the coming years. A typical Yankee-like attitude of nothing less than a playoff will be considered. Counsell, in his previous stint with the Brewers, was the manager with the most wins. Thus, his words can be a booster for both the players and the fans to bet on the Cubs this year.
Are the Cubs equipped enough this year?
Well, before the players had to report for spring training, the Cubs, this year, started getting ready for the forthcoming Tokyo Series. Pitchers knew their season would start in mid-March, so they started ramping up sooner than normal. However, several of the batters that had a difficult spring due to their early problems are slow starters by nature. Does the team know how to overcome early setbacks and score runs right away this time? Craig Counsell’s peptalk might do wonders this year. “It’s created some urgency for our players,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. While the start was a bang for the Cubs to start early, how is their roster buildup?
By acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Astros, the Cubs altered the course of events. Tucker excels on both sides of the ball and is among the top players in the game. Their lineup should be deeper than it has been in a long time with his arrival and the impending rise of top prospect Matt Shaw. On the other hand, Justine Steele and Shota Imanaga are excellent front-line starters. Ryan Pressly and Ryan Braiser have helped the bullpen, but there is still room left for further improvements.
Nevertheless, the Cubs will be dangerous if they make a move for an arm or two in the middle of the season because they have the resources in the minor leagues to do it. With this team, the fans may bet on the Cubs this year.
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