‘There’s work to do’: Counsell motivated heading into offseason

As the Chicago Cubs finish their season without a playoff berth, the disappointment lingers, especially with Craig Counsell’s former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, clinching the division title.

Despite the awkwardness of not advancing, Counsell has shown no hesitation about his move to the Cubs. Throughout the summer, he expressed his enjoyment of life in Chicago and his commitment to the team

. Following a season-ending 3-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in extra innings, he reflected on the challenges ahead.

“Not making the postseason this year means we have work to do,” Counsell stated. “I’ve found great satisfaction in my work here. I’m energized and motivated to elevate this team to a better place.”

The Cubs’ struggles this season were no secret. The bullpen’s early-season issues and a baffling two-month slump in hitting plagued the team.

The Cubs managed a disappointing 21-34 record in May and June but finished with a more respectable 62-45 in the remaining months, ending the season with an 83-79 record, identical to last year’s performance.

Cody Bellinger shared his frustrations, highlighting the potential within the team.

“The talent is there,” he said. “I believe in this team and in Counsell. He’s very intelligent and capable of guiding this organization forward.”

Although the Cubs considered allowing Shota Imanaga one final start, they opted against it, preserving his health. He concluded his rookie season with an impressive 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA, marking the lowest ERA for a full-time Cubs starter since 2016. His performance ranks fifth among all qualified pitchers in Major League Baseball this year.

Seiya Suzuki emerged as the Cubs’ standout hitter this season, finishing with an impressive .848 OPS, trailing only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto among qualified outfielders. However, the most disappointing performance came from Bellinger, whose OPS declined significantly from .881 to .751. With a $27.5 million player option looming for next season, Bellinger faces a crucial decision about his future.

“There’s no reason to delay the decision if I know what I want,” Bellinger commented. “I’ll continue discussions to determine the best path for my family and me. I always expect more from myself, and this year was challenging.”

Dansby Swanson, the team’s second-highest paid player, struggled as well, posting his lowest OPS in six years at .701. He advocated for Bellinger’s return, emphasizing his importance to the lineup and his value as a teammate. “He makes our team better,” Swanson noted. “We all care about him, and we hope he stays.”

This weekend, Cubs pitching showcased dominance, holding the Reds scoreless for 27 innings until Elly De La Cruz broke through with a two-run triple in the 10th inning against Ethan Roberts. However, the team also faced setbacks, as reliever Keegan Thompson strained his foot during the eighth inning and required assistance to exit the game. Meanwhile, shortstop Luis Vasquez marked his first major league hit with a bunt.

Despite the season’s challenges, the Cubs enjoyed significant fan support, surpassing 2.9 million in attendance, ranking sixth in Major League Baseball behind franchises like the Dodgers and Yankees.

As the Cubs prepare for the offseason, they must address critical issues and build on the positives from this season. The coming months will be crucial in determining how they approach player development and free agency, setting the stage for the future of the franchise.