As the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season wraps up and the playoffs loom, teams are intensifying their focus on championship dreams.
However, the Chicago Cubs are already casting their gaze toward the 2025 season.
After narrowly missing out on the playoffs this year, they find themselves in a prime position to make a playoff run next year with the right offseason strategy.
One area of particular interest for the Cubs is first base, where there is growing speculation about potential upgrades.
New York Mets star Pete Alonso has been frequently mentioned as a target, but he is not the only first baseman who could be on the move this winter.
In addition to Alonso, St. Louis Cardinals standout Paul Goldschmidt is also set to enter free agency.
According to Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report, Goldschmidt could be a strong candidate for the Cubs if they miss out on Alonso.
This aligns with insights from The Athletic’s Katie Woo, who reported that the Cardinals are likely to part ways with Goldschmidt in the upcoming offseason.
Goldschmidt’s recent performance has raised some eyebrows. After experiencing what many consider the worst statistical season of his career in 2024, the Cardinals may hesitate to extend him a qualifying offer.
Despite a resurgence in his play during the latter half of the season, uncertainty remains about whether he can maintain that improvement moving forward.
Beaston notes, “Prediction: Goldschmidt signs with Seattle or Chicago but waits until the Alonso domino falls.
” This suggests that the Cubs might have to bide their time as the offseason unfolds, waiting to see how the Alonso situation develops.
Despite his struggles in 2024, Goldschmidt still delivered an above-average performance as a first baseman, making him an intriguing option for the Cubs.
His experience and past accolades, including the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player award, indicate that he has the potential to significantly elevate Chicago’s lineup.
If the Cubs are serious about enhancing their first base position, targeting Goldschmidt could be a wise move.
His combination of veteran leadership and proven offensive capabilities could provide the boost the Cubs need as they aim for a stronger showing in 2025.
In conclusion, while the playoffs are about to commence for other teams, the Cubs are strategically planning for the future.
The focus on improving their first base situation highlights their ambition to return to postseason contention. Whether they end up signing Alonso, Goldschmidt, or another impactful player, the offseason promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to revitalize their path back to the playoffs.
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