Chicago Cubs 2021 Season Preview

2020 was altogether a good season for the Cubs, they ended the shortened season at the top of the NL central, with a record of 34 - 26 and clinched a spot in the playoffs. Although had a less than ideal post-season run after being swept by the Miami Marlins in the Wild Card series. 

Heading into the new decade however, it's clearer than ever that the Chicago Cubs championship window is beginning to close. While they remain contentious and will be vying for the division title and a playoff spot, there's plenty of uncertainly hanging over the team at the moment. The biggest question mark is regarding the extension of core players, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez - who's contracts are all due to expire come the end of the season. Having been crucial to winning the World Series back in 2016, all three of these players have become essential to the line-up and are beloved by fans therefore, losing any or all of them would surely be a massive blow. Thankfully, for now at least, KB, Rizzo and ‘El Mago’ are still at the core of the Cubs.  

 

New Additions

One of the most notable new additions for the Cubs this year has been former Los Angeles Dodger, Joc Pederson, who’s had a mammoth Spring Training, hitting eight home runs across the month. If he were to do that every month during the regular season, he'd finish up the year with close to 50 homers. Realistically, is that likely to happen? No but if Pederson keeps hitting the way he has so far, he's going to be a force to be reckoned with at the plate. 

The return of veteran pitcher, Jake Arrieta, had many fans rejoicing when it was announced the righty had signed a 1 year / $6 million contract with the Cubs. Arrieta was originally traded to the Cubs from the Baltimore Orioles in 2013 and went on to lead the MLB with the Cubs in 2015, scoring 22 wins, including a no hitter, and being awarded the National League Cy Young title. The following year, he played an essential role in the teams World Series run. After having an injury filled stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arrieta is back at Wrigley Field with the hopes of putting up some solid numbers in the Cubs starting rotation

Behind the plate, the Cubs acquired veteran catcher Austin Romine from the Detroit Tigers who's so far looked like stable backup for Wilson Contreras. They've also added some more depth on the in and outfield with Eric Sogard and Jake Marisnick respectively. 

Other noticeable additions for the Cubs this offseason includes: 

Starting pitchers Zach Davies, and Trevor Williams, and relief pitchers Brandon Workman, and Jonathan Holder. 

 

Key Losses 

Undoubtedly biggest hits the Cubs took over the offseason was regarding pitching, when starting pitcher Yu Darvish - 2020 Cy Young winner and MVP - was traded to the San Diego Padres, alongside catcher Victor Caratini. Veteran starting pitcher Jon Lester was also traded to the Washington Nationals. While they have acquired some new starters, with the absence of Darvish and Lester the rotation is sure to lose some depth and substance.

Other noticeable departures include: 

Out-fielder Kyle Schwarber, second baseman, Jason Kipnis and, pitchers Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana.

 

Rotation 

The title of ace now falls onto the shoulders of 'the professor' Kyle Hendricks, who will be making his second consecutive opening day start for the Cubs on April 1st. Former Padres starter, Zach Davies - acquired in the Darvish trade - will be joining the rotation, alongside Jake Arrieta, and new addition Trevor Williams. 

Alec Mills, who had a great performance last season – which included a no-hitter - will likely join the rotation alongside long-term prospect Adbert Alzolay who will be coming up the show this year.

Several teams have indicated that they'll be going into the season with a 6-man rotation and as they have 6 starting arms at their disposable, it wouldn't be surprising if the Cubs opted to do this.

 

The current projected starting rotation is as follows:  

1) Kyle Hendricks

2) Jake Arrieta 

3) Zach Davies 

4) Adbert Alzolay  

5) Trevor Williams 

6) Alec Mills 

 

Bullpen

The bullpen is possibly the Cubs weakest link going into the season, headed up by Craig Kimbrel - who's unfortunately had a less than stellar outing with the Cubs so far, only making 15 saves overall for the team. Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin gave some of the most reliable performances last year, as well as Rowan Wick who is currently recovering from an oblique injury but should bring some success once he returns. 

Aside from a couple of additions, the bullpen largely remains the same as last year - albeit with the glaring absence of Jeremy Jeffries, undoubtably the Cubs strongest reliefer last season who's no longer with the team. Overall, while it's a fairly solid group, the lack of a truly effective, veteran reliefer is clear. 

 

The projected bullpen is currently as follows:

1) Craig Kimbrel

2) Brandon Workman 

3) Jason Adam

4) Andrew Chafin

5) Ryan Tepera 

6) Dan Winkler

7) Dillon Maples

8) Jonathan Holder

9) Alec Mills - if not placed in starting rotation. 

 

Season Overview 

Overall, while the 2021 Cubs certainly have some obvious weaknesses, they're still going to be coming out swinging. The general consensus seems to be that their rival St Louis Cardinals will nab the number one spot in the division (especially given the recent addition of third baseman Nolan Arenado) - but the Cubs aren't to be taken lightly and are still contenders. 

 

The current projected line-up for opening day is: 

1) Ian Happ, CF

2) Willson Contreras, C

3) Anthony Rizzo, 1B

4) Kris Byrant, 3B

5) Joc Pederson, LF

6) Javier Baez, SS

7) Jason Heyward, RF

8) David Bote, 2B

9) Kyle Hendricks, SP. 

Finally, from a personal perspective as a Cubs fan; with the amount of uncertainly in the future, and a rebuild on the horizon, just getting to watch this lovable core of stars play ball together for at least another year is definitely something I'm going to appreciate.