The Bright Future of the Chicago Cubs

The Bright Future of the Chicago Cubs

 

 

Reading that title would probably make most people laugh. Bright would not be the word most people would assume to be preceding the word future when it comes to the Cubs. In 2014, that is exactly the word that it should be. Theo Epstein has done a great job constructing this team for future success in 2015 and beyond. 

If Starlin Castro can get hot and have himself a good first half the Cubs could get a very good return for him and have even more future pieces in play. Javier Baez, one of their top prospects could very well be Major League ready by the All-Star Break, so they wouldn’t lose a step. Another top prospect is Kris Bryant at third base. This kid has tremendous tools and has star written all over him. Having Bryant and Rizzo at the corners and Baez at short, the infield will be one of the best in the game. Jorge Soler will need more time than Baez and Bryant to be Major League ready but once he is he can be a better version of fellow countryman Yoenis Cespedes.

On the pitching side the Cubs have some talent but it definitely lacks compared to the offense. Jeff Samardzija is a good pitcher but is also a good trade piece if the team decides to go that way. C.J. Edwards is their top pitching prospect and I can see him being a very good top of the rotation starter. Not necessarily an ace but I would be comfortable if he was my 2 or 3.

The Cubs are in a very good position and fans should feel excitement and optimism. They will surely try and move some more players to stock the farm even more, but there is some good current talent to watch for the time being. Between Rizzo, Castro, and Justin Ruggiano in the outfield (another trade chip if he plays well) this team has some capable hitters. If the rotation behind Samardzija and the bullpen pitch well enough they could certainly steal a few wins and inch closer to competitiveness.

We will be back tomorrow with a look at the World Champion Boston Red Sox. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @changingspeeds for all our coverage of the national pastime.