The Chicago Cubs season did not go according to plan. Entering the year, Chicago's front office assumed this was a team in transition. Several intriguing moves in the previous few years -- such as signing Marcus Stroman, Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson -- helped make the Cubs competitive. However, this Cubs team surprisingly entered the NL Central title race by midseason, and was thought to be a favorite to make the postseason as an NL Wild Card team.
Chicago collapsed down the stretch. Many Cubs fans called for the firing of David Ross, which will not happen. When the season ended, we predicted three Chicago Cubs who will not be back in 2024. Ross made the list, along with Stroman and Bellinger.
The outlook appears much better for the manager. Bellinger will demand a high-priced free agent deal, and Stroman could surprisingly stay given his injury struggles and player option.
Michael Fulmer won't be back for the Chicago Cubs
Michael Fulmer was signed to a prove-it deal with the Cubs this past season in hopes that he would help out the back end of the bullpen. Fulmer will be a free agent after this season, and a change of scenery could do him some good.
Fulmer was a potential trade target at the deadline had Chicago decided to sell. The Cubs bullpen did struggle at the end of the season, meaning a rebuild is warranted. Fulmer's ERA finished well over 4.50, As Michael Brakebill of Cubbies Crib mentioned, many Chicago baseball fans were surprised by Fulmer's signing to begin with:
"I immediately scratched my head when Michael Fulmer was signed over a lefty like Andrew Chafin. Given that the Cubs' only lefty in the bullpen was starting on the IL, this would be a significant issue as the season rolled on. Although Fulmer was signed with decent numbers from the year prior, on paper, the fact remained that his numbers away from Detroit last season were not all that great to begin with."
Fulmer failed to live up to expectations, and finished the season on the IL. Perhaps it's a sign of things to come.
Drew Smyly could be a trade asset for the Chicago Cubs
Drew Smyly was brought on as a No. 5 starter or bullpen option. Frankly, he has experience in both roles. With the Cubs, he was far better as a late-inning relief pitcher than a starter. Smyly is signed through the 2024 season, so there's no need for them to get rid of him. Smyly could have a spot on the 2024 Cubs, especially if they're short on starting pitching or reliable relievers.
However, Smyly doesn't have a large enough sample size to feel confident in him as a relief pitcher long term:
"The Cubs' bullpen was worn down to a nub at the end of 2023, even though Smyly posted an ERA of 2.52 as a reliever. That sample size was just 28.2 IP; a few bad outings out of the pen would have drastically inflated that sparkly number. I'm not sold on saying that Smyly automatically deserves a roster spot next season. He will have to prove himself still worthy in Spring Training. There are several directions the Cubs can go if he doesn't turn it around quickly," wrote Michael Brakebill of Cubbies Crib.
Smyly will find an MLB home somewhere, it likely just won't be in Chicago.
Jeimer Candelario isn't guaranteed to come back to the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs acquired Jeimer Candelario at the trade deadline as a corner infield upgrade. The former Cub returned home and played quite well, slashing .234/.318/.445 with six home runs.
"He was a real big addition at the trade deadline and hopefully he is here at the end of the season for us," David Ross said.
Candelario will turn 30 years old at the end of the season. Chicago would much rather sign the likes of Cody Bellinger, who could transition to first base as his career progresses. Matt Mervis played some third base last year and is one of the Cubs top prospects. Hence, Candelario's numbers are productive enough to earn a top-dollar contract.
If the Cubs are smart they will try to bring back Candelario on another team-friendly deal. If not, then perhaps he can find a team will to overpay elsewhere.