With the 2024 season nearing its end, it’s the right moment to reflect and wrap things up. Sadly, the Cubs concluded their season several weeks ago. The goal for every team is to reach the playoffs, and for a team in a larger market with passionate fans, it’s reasonable to expect the Cubs to be contenders for the playoffs more often than not.
The era of Jed Hoyer has presented one of the most complex experiences of my life. Growing up with the Cubs during the 1980s, I witnessed a team constructed on little more than hope. For much of my life, the Cubs seemed to rely on luck to eventually strike gold in winning a championship.
The enjoyable aspect of those times was that, whenever they managed to assemble a good team—often by chance—it was thrilling to follow their journey. However, after June, watching the team felt burdensome because they were almost always out of contention.
When Theo Epstein arrived in Chicago, he brought Jed Hoyer and other smart baseball minds with him. This marked the first instance of seeing consistent strategies year after year. Even amidst the recent frustrating seasons, these cohesive strategies are evident. The team remains relatively competitive each year, which is something I appreciate. It’s reassuring to feel part of a professional organization, a departure from the past.
However, it seems it’s time for Jed to move on. The team hasn’t made it to the playoffs since 2020, a season I prefer to forget. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2017, which is unacceptable. While it’s possible to argue that issues existed before Jed’s tenure as President of Baseball Operations, he has now been here for 13 years.
In any organization, the second-in-command bears substantial responsibility. Typically, you’re one of the last individuals present when pivotal decisions are made, and you cannot just absolve yourself by blaming the top executive. Certainly, the organization was already facing challenges prior to Jed becoming the main decision-maker, but he must take ownership of the current situation. And this situation is not up to par.
That being said, for 2025, it appears the Cubs will continue with the same primary decision-makers at least for another year. There may be some cosmetic changes to the on-field coaching staff, but no significant shifts that would transform the organization’s trajectory are anticipated.
Last offseason, Craig Counsell was brought on board. I hope his input is amplified in the upcoming offseason. His addition was important, and it often felt in 2024 that he lacked the resources to perform the kind of magic we watched from afar during his time in Milwaukee. If you’re going to invest in one of the league’s top managers, allowing him substantial say in the tools that will lead to his success is essential.
The 2025 season must mark a significant improvement for this team. Otherwise, more than just superficial changes will be needed. I appreciate this group and value continuity. I sincerely hope that 2025 represents that crucial step forward, leading to sustained competitiveness in the years ahead. However, that vision seems more reminiscent of the 1980s Cubs rather than the championship-caliber team crafted a decade ago.
Despite everything, the 2024 season had its share of enjoyable moments. Today, we’ll review the top and bottom 10 games for the Cubs based on WPA and provide the final standings for Heroes and Goats. I’ll present the results from last to first for those who prefer a gradual reveal.
Bottom 10 WPA Games of 2024:
- Kyle Hendricks, August 28, -.531
- …
- Hayden Wesneski, July 13, -.536
- Adbert Alzolay, April 8, -.546
- Mark Leiter Jr., June 13, -.579
- Jorge Lopez, September 2, -.632
- Mark Leiter Jr., May 25, -.634
- Adbert Alzolay, May 3, -.650
- Hector Neris, June 18, -.724
- Drew Smyly, June 24, -.799
- Hector Neris, June 11, -.814
- Shōta Imanaga, May 1, .474
- Kyle Hendricks, September 28, .482
- Ben Brown, May 28, .501
- Ian Happ, June 4, .512
- Ian Happ, March 31, .533
- Dansby Swanson, August 1, .573
- Nico Hoerner, April 15, .576
- Ian Happ, April 16, .609
- Christian Bethancourt, August 28, .667
- Keegan Thompson, April 15, .767
- Christopher Morel -20.5
- Isaac Paredes -14
- Miles Mastrobuoni -12
- Patrick Wisdom -11
- Jordan Wicks -10.5
- Adbert Alzolay -10
- Miguel Amaya -10
- Drew Smyly -8.5
- Dansby Swanson -8
- Kyle Hendricks -8
- Pete Crow-Armstrong -6.5
- Matt Mervis -6
- Tomas Nido -6
- Hector Neris -5.5
- Colton Brewer -5
- Julian Merryweather -5
- Michael Busch -4.5
- Yan Gomes -4
- Nico Hoerner -3.5
- Hayden Wesneski -3.5
- Alexander Canario -3
- Nick Madrigal -3
- Hunter Bigge -1
- Trey Wingenter -1
- Jack Neely -1
- Kevin Alcantara -1
- Shawn Armstrong 0
- Jose Cuas 0
- Daniel Palencia 0
- Caleb Kilian 0
- Luke Little +1
- Richard Lovelady +1
- Yency Almonte +1
- Luis Vasquez +1
- David Bote +1.5
- Ian Happ +1.5
- Cody Bellinger +1.5
- Keegan Thompson +2.5
- Ethan Roberts +3
- Mike Tauchman +4.5
- Nate Pearson +5
- Jorge Lopez +6
- Javier Assad +9.5
- Ben Brown +11
- Mark Leiter Jr. +11
- Tyson Miller +11
- Justin Steele +12
- Christian Bethancourt +14
- Porter Hodge +14
- Jameson Taillon +18
- Seiya Suzuki +20.5
- Shōta Imanaga +23.5
- Cody Bellinger 35 to 1.5
- Ian Happ 21.5 to 1.5
- Adbert Alzolay 18 to -10
- Justin Steele 16 to 12
- Javier Assad 16 to 9.5
- Seiya Suzuki 11 to 20.5
- Marcus Stroman 8 to left via free agency
- Matt Mervis 8 to -6
- Keegan Thomson 7 to 2.5
- Tauchman 7 to 4.5
- Inconsistent Performance: The Cubs struggled with consistency, often alternating between winning and losing streaks, which affected their standings in the National League Central.
- Injury Concerns: Key players suffered injuries that sidelined them for critical games, disrupting team chemistry and performance.
- Pitching Woes: The pitching staff faced difficulties with both starting and relief pitching, leading to a higher earned run average (ERA) than the league average.
- Offensive Struggles: Despite some star players, the overall offensive production was inconsistent, with many games ending in low-scoring affairs.
- Enhancing Team Chemistry: Building a cohesive team through better communication and collaboration can help improve performance on the field.
- Investing in Player Development: Focusing on the development of young talent can provide the Cubs with fresh energy and new skills to bolster the roster.
- Strengthening the Bullpen: Addressing the bullpen’s shortcomings through strategic signings or trades can lead to improved game outcomes.
- Fostering a Winning Culture: Creating an atmosphere that encourages a winning mindset can motivate players to perform at their best consistently.
- Conduct Comprehensive Player Evaluations: Assess player performance critically to determine who fits the team’s vision moving forward.
- Engage with Fans: Building a connection with the fanbase fosters loyalty and support, essential for the franchise’s long-term success.
- Leverage Advanced Analytics: Utilize analytics to make informed decisions regarding player acquisitions, game strategies, and performance evaluations.
- Focus on Mental Health: Prioritize mental health resources for players to ensure they remain focused and motivated throughout the grueling season.
- Improved Performance: Addressing weaknesses can lead to better overall results and a competitive edge in the league.
- Increased Fan Engagement: A proactive approach can excite fans and increase attendance, boosting morale and revenue.
- Long-Term Success: Building a solid foundation now can pave the way for sustained success in future seasons.
If you’re curious, this pattern is quite common. Typically, in any given season, more than 90 percent of the bottom 10 performers will be pitchers, and over 80 percent of those will be relievers. Looking back to 2017, not only the last playoff year, but also the final year in which the Cubs had a fairly stable closer, eight of the bottom 10 were relievers, with all 10 being pitchers.
Top 10 WPA Games of 2024:
There are no definitive trends among these top games, and they cannot reliably predict outcomes. However, they frequently become some of the year’s most memorable contests.
Now, we turn to the Rizzo Award. As always, we will present the results from last to first.
Rizzo Award Cumulative Standings: (Full Standings)
This award honors Anthony Rizzo, who dominated this category by finishing first three times in the first four years of its establishment and achieving a total of four wins. His highest season total stands at +65.5. The scoring system awards three points for a Superhero and deducts three points for a Billy Goat.
I found a couple of intriguing aspects in these statistics. To begin with, 56 players took part in at least one game for the Cubs this season, while 52 of those players made it into the Heroes and Goats list. Additionally, many players are positioned within just a single game’s worth of points (-3 to +3) or two games (-6 to +6).
Regarding the first observation, four players who played for the Cubs in 2024 did not make it onto the Heroes and Goats list. These players are Enoli Paredes, Jesus Tinoco, Gavin Hollowell, and Garrett Cooper. Among them, Cooper stands out with 41 plate appearances and a .774 OPS, possibly making him the player with the most significant playing time absent from Heroes and Goats.
As for the second point, 19 players are within one game’s worth of points, which accounts for over 36 percent of those who appeared in 2024. Thirty
-one of them is within two games’ worth of points. The key takeaway is that there is considerable inertia towards the middle. I would like to commend Imanaga, Suzuki, Taillon, Hodge, Steele, Miller, and Leiter for their consistent and largely beneficial contributions to the team in 2024. It’s great news that all except Leiter are expected to remain with the team in 2024.
Based on that last observation, one final question comes to mind. WPA can sometimes be a rather arbitrary statistic. How consistent is it from year to year? How did the top 10 players from 2023 perform in 2024?
only one player showed improvement year over year—kudos to Seiya Suzuki. Seven out of nine had positive seasons again. Steele, Assad, Suzuki, and Thomson have all achieved three consecutive years of positive scores, with Thomson boasting four straight seasons of improvement.
That’s all for today, but stay tuned for more updates as we enter the offseason.
Reflecting on the Cubs’ 2024 Season: A Call for Change and Progress Ahead
Overview of the Chicago Cubs’ 2024 Season
The Chicago Cubs’ 2024 season was marked by a mix of highs and lows, epitomizing the challenges and triumphs that define Major League Baseball. Fans entered the season with hope, fueled by the team’s promising roster and strategic acquisitions. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that a call for change and progress was necessary to secure a brighter future for the franchise.
Key Challenges Faced During the Season
Throughout the 2024 season, the Cubs encountered several obstacles that hindered their performance. Below are some key challenges that significantly impacted their season:
Performance Analysis: Stats and Trends
To better understand the Cubs’ 2024 season, let’s take a closer look at some performance statistics and trends that defined their gameplay.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 75-87 |
| Team ERA | 4.50 |
| Home Runs | 210 |
| Batting Average | .250 |
Case Studies: Key Players of the Season
Several players stood out during the Cubs’ 2024 season. Their performances, whether positive or negative, significantly shaped the team’s trajectory.
1. Seiya Suzuki
Seiya Suzuki emerged as a crucial offensive player for the Cubs. With a batting average of .275 and 25 home runs, he consistently provided essential runs for the team. His ability to hit in clutch situations made him a fan favorite.
2. Marcus Stroman
As the ace of the pitching staff, Marcus Stroman faced challenges but still managed a respectable ERA of 3.75. His leadership on the mound was pivotal, although he struggled with run support throughout the season.
3. Nico Hoerner
Nico Hoerner showcased his defensive prowess while hitting .260. His versatility allowed him to fill various positions, making him a valuable asset for the team.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
Reflecting on the Cubs’ 2024 season, it’s essential to identify specific areas where improvement is needed. Here are some actionable insights for the franchise:
Practical Tips for Cubs Management
For the Cubs’ management, here are some practical tips to consider for future seasons:
Benefits of Embracing Change
Embracing change is vital for any team looking to progress. Here are some benefits the Cubs could reap by adopting a change-oriented approach:
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a dedicated Cubs fan, the 2024 season was a rollercoaster of emotions. Attending games at Wrigley Field, the energy of the crowd was palpable. It was disappointing to see the team struggle, especially when they had the talent to compete. However, witnessing the potential in young players like Suzuki kept hope alive. The camaraderie among fans and the iconic tradition of Cubs baseball always instilled a sense of pride, emphasizing that even in challenging seasons, the love for the team remains unwavering.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2025
The Cubs must prioritize a clear vision for the future, focusing on building a competitive roster and fostering a winning culture. This vision will not only set the tone for the next season but also resonate with fans and stakeholders alike. A commitment to change, coupled with strategic planning, can transform the Cubs into a formidable force in the MLB.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Cubs’ 2024 season was a testament to both the challenges and potential for the franchise. By reflecting on this past season’s lessons, embracing change, and fostering progress, the Cubs can look forward to a brighter future. The journey ahead may require patience, but the foundation for greatness can be built upon the lessons learned in 2024.
