The Chicago Cubs entered spring training with a glaring hole at third base. Alex Bregman seemed like an ideal fit, but the team lost out to the Boston Red Sox in a bidding war. While top prospect Matt Shaw is an option, it’s uncertain how much faith the Cubs should place in a player with no MLB experience.
With limited alternatives, the Cubs are clearly putting a lot of trust in Shaw. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but with Bregman no longer available, they appear committed to moving forward with him.
Concerns about third base are valid, but Ryan Pressly’s shaky spring training debut highlighted that the hot corner isn’t the only question mark for the Cubs in 2024.
Cubs’ Bullpen Remains a Major Concern Despite Offseason Moves
Chicago’s bullpen was a major frustration during their disappointing 2024 season. Despite posting a respectable 3.81 ERA—ranking 12th in MLB—their 26 blown saves were tied for eighth most in the league.
To address these struggles, Jed Hoyer overhauled the bullpen, acquiring Pressly, Ryan Brasier, and Eli Morgan through trades while signing Caleb Thielbar and Colin Rea to one-year deals. While these additions improve the bullpen on paper, the question remains: Is it enough?
Pressly was the biggest acquisition, but his spring training debut raised some concerns. Pitching the third inning against the Texas Rangers, he allowed three of the first four batters to reach base via two singles and a walk, giving up one run. While it’s just one outing, Cubs fans were hoping for a stronger first impression.
Though it’s too early to draw conclusions, Pressly is coming off a somewhat underwhelming 2023 season with the Astros, where he posted a 3.49 ERA over 59 appearances and 56.2 innings. He was solid but no longer the dominant closer he once was—evidenced by Houston’s willingness to part with him in what was essentially a salary dump.
If Pressly can regain his form as a closer, it would be a big boost for Chicago. However, his early struggles raise concerns, especially considering the Cubs missed out on signing Tanner Scott. If Pressly falters, that missed opportunity will sting even more.
