MIAMI — As children return to school, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious position, overshadowed by the Bears and the slow march toward the conclusion of the 2024 season.
They’re not so far removed from the National League wild-card race that they can completely abandon hope, yet they are not in a position where a miraculous turnaround seems plausible for postseason entry.
With standout players like Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger, they lack the star power that compels fans to drop everything and watch.
During spring training, there was talk of their farm system rising to No. 2 in the MLB Pipeline rankings, but so far, only Pete Crow-Armstrong has received regular playing time this season. He’s a solid defender whose batting is still developing. Notably, he managed to hit an inside-the-park home run during the third inning on Friday in the first game of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park.
With Crow-Armstrong, Bellinger, and Ian Happ occupying the outfield, the Cubs lack room for their two top outfield prospects — Kevin Alcantara and Owen Caissie — to demonstrate their abilities this September and vie for a place in the 2025 season.
“We’ll need to get to September before we can assess the roster,” manager Craig Counsell stated on Friday. “As it stands now, we don’t have a significant role open for someone. Our lineup has been fairly stable, the starters are mostly set, and our bullpen is performing well, leaving little room for changes.”
This leaves little suspense for the remainder of the season. Proceed to watch at your own risk.
Even if the Cubs officially exit contention following their upcoming nine-game series against Miami, Pittsburgh, and Washington, the same roster will likely continue to be fielded repeatedly. If they manage to re-enter the race but ultimately fall short, it would mirror the disappointment of last season’s conclusion.
With little to excite the fans, speculation about which players will remain until the end has already commenced.
David Bote’s recent departure was anticipated, following ineffective closer Héctor Neris. On Friday, the Cubs designated Bote for assignment, bidding farewell to a player who earned the team’s trust but failed to meet initial expectations.
In his stead, Triple-A Iowa infielder Luis Vázquez was brought up, with Counsell mentioning he would serve as a bench player, getting a few starts occasionally. Additionally, the Cubs claimed reliever Gavin Hollowell off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, sending him to Iowa. Hollowell, 26, has recorded a 6.20 ERA over 32 career games in 2023 and 2024.
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Bote’s significant achievement with the Cubs on August 12, 2018—a walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals—paved the way for a five-year, $15 million contract in April 2019, a move made before he became arbitration-eligible.
“The contract is highly beneficial for us if he continues in his current role,” remarked then-President Theo Epstein. “Should he surpass expectations, it could bring additional value.”
However, the Cubs soon learned there was little value to be found.
Throughout the majority of 2022 and all of 2023, Bote found himself in Iowa after President Jed Hoyer opted to effectively absorb the cost of his contract by keeping him in the minors rather than utilizing him as a backup behind Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal, or other third basemen.
This season, after his early June call-up following Madrigal’s demotion, Bote performed well off the bench, taking on the role of late-inning defensive replacement for Christopher Morel. However, his playing time diminished when Morel was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for Isaac Paredes at the trade deadline.
Since the extension of his contract took effect in 2020, Bote has managed a .220 batting average and a .666 OPS over 220 major league games. While the Cubs have committed larger financial blunders, Bote’s contract remains a notable misstep.
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due to the rapid pace at which it occurred in his career — coupled with the absence of contract extensions for any of the team’s prominent stars.
The Cubs held a $7 million option on Bote for 2025 and $7.6 million for 2026, accompanied by a $1 million buyout. Clearly, he was set to depart after this season.
“David has been a part of the organization for a long time, 13 years,” Counsell remarked. “There is still a possibility that he remains within the organization. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity after spending several years in the minor leagues.”
Last week, Hoyer informed WSCR-AM 670 that the Cubs anticipate exceeding the luxury tax in 2024 with Bellinger’s signing in February. This implies that they may need to reduce payroll in 2025 to avoid incurring a 30% tax rate for consecutive years beyond the threshold, which increases from $237 million to $241 million in the upcoming season. The penalty resets if they drop below the threshold for a season.
Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks delivers against the Marlins during the first inning on Aug. 23, 2024, in Miami. (Rich Storry/Getty)
Meanwhile, on Friday, Kyle Hendricks took the mound for what could be seen as a crucial journey for the Cubs. Even Counsell, who typically claims he approaches each day without expectations, couldn’t overlook the situation’s significance.
“On a nine-game road trip, given the limited number of games remaining, we must perform well enough to stay competitive,” he noted. “We still lack a margin for error, so a disappointing trip would make our task considerably harder. … Winning series is essential to maintaining our position, so we have to keep that up.”
Originally Published: August 23, 2024 at 6:51 p.m.
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Cubs at a Crossroads: Navigating a Tough September with Postseason Hopes Fading
Overview of the 2023 Chicago Cubs Season
The 2023 Chicago Cubs started the season with high hopes and aspirations for a deep postseason run. However, as September unfolds, the team finds itself at a critical juncture. As their chances of making the playoffs dwindle, it’s essential to evaluate their performance, key players, and the challenges they face in this pivotal month.
Current Standings and Performance Metrics
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Cubs are battling for a wildcard spot in a highly competitive National League. As of now, their record stands at 70-67, placing them in the mix but precariously close to being eliminated from postseason contention.
Key Performance Indicators
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 70 |
| Losses | 67 |
| Win Percentage | .511 |
| Games Behind Wildcard | 4.5 |
Key Players to Watch
As the season approaches its conclusion, several players have emerged as critical components to the Cubs’ success. Their performance in September could determine the team’s postseason fate.
- Seiya Suzuki: Known for his power and clutch hitting, Suzuki has been a driving force in the lineup.
- Cody Bellinger: After overcoming injuries, Bellinger is finally showing the form that made him an MVP. His defensive skills and offensive contributions are pivotal.
- Marcus Stroman: As the ace of the pitching staff, Stroman’s performances are crucial for keeping the team competitive.
Challenges Faced in September
September is traditionally a challenging month for many MLB teams, and the Cubs are no exception. Several factors are influencing their performance:
Injury Concerns
Injuries have plagued the Cubs throughout the season. Key players missing games can lead to a lack of depth and performance inconsistency. For instance, the absence of a reliable closer can severely impact the outcome of close games.
Competition in the Wildcard Race
The race for the postseason is fierce, with multiple teams vying for the same spots. This heightened competition means that every game matters even more than usual, increasing pressure on the players and coaching staff.
Fatigue and Roster Management
As the season progresses, fatigue can set in, especially for younger players. Balancing rest for key players while also trying to secure wins can be a difficult tightrope walk for the coaching staff.
Benefits of a Strong Finish
Even if the Cubs ultimately do not make the playoffs, finishing the season strong can have several advantages:
- Boosting Player Morale: A strong finish can help players regain confidence heading into the offseason.
- Evaluating Young Talent: Extended play for younger players can provide valuable experience and insight into their potential for the future.
- Building Fan Support: A competitive finish can keep fan engagement high, which is essential for team morale and financial support.
Practical Tips for Cubs Fans
As Cubs fans navigate this challenging period, here are some practical tips to stay engaged and support the team:
- Attend Remaining Games: Show your support by attending games. The atmosphere created by a strong home crowd can energize the team.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the team’s social media platforms to stay updated on game-day information, player news, and fan events.
- Participate in Fan Events: Join community events and fan gatherings to connect with fellow supporters and build a sense of camaraderie.
Case Studies of Teams Facing Similar Situations
Throughout MLB history, several teams have found themselves in similar predicaments as the Cubs. Here are a few notable examples:
2019 Washington Nationals
In 2019, the Nationals faced a similar crossroads, sitting at .500 in September. They rallied to finish strong, ultimately winning the World Series. Their key to success was a combination of strong pitching and clutch hitting.
2017 New York Yankees
The Yankees struggled in September but secured a wildcard spot. They utilized their young talent, which paid off in the postseason, showcasing how crucial experience can be.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Cubs fan, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of the team over the years. This September feels particularly poignant; the stress of each game is palpable. Watching players like Bellinger return to form gives hope, yet the looming uncertainty makes it hard to celebrate. However, the camaraderie among fans during this time is unmatched, and regardless of the outcome, our support will remain unwavering.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs stand at a crossroads this September, facing challenges that could define their season. With postseason hopes fading, how they navigate this tough stretch will not only affect their playoff aspirations but also set the tone for the future. Fans remain hopeful, and the team has the opportunity to finish strong and lay a foundation for the next season.
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