Cubs Superstar Certainly Sounds Confident Heading Into Upcoming Season
As the Chicago Cubs get ready to close the door on their offseason, even though it seems like they did that a long time ago, questions still remain about certain positions and position groups across the roster.
While they know Justin Steele is their No. 1 after being named the Opening Day starter, and newly acquired Shota Imanaga is taking over the open slot left by Marcus Stroman, there are already talks that the rotation might have some shakeups throughout the year.
Third base continues to be a topic of conversation as it's still unknown if Christopher Morel's defense will be playable for an everyday role.
The outfield is also crowded with the return of Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman already being named to the roster, although the fourth outfielder approach is something used across the league.
How the bullpen will look is a whole different conversation, and likely won't be decided even after the 26-man roster is announced.
But, through all of that, the Cubs' superstar shortstop Dansby Swanson sounds confident in his assessment of how this club will perform in his conversation with Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
"We've got depth on the mound. We have depth at pretty much every other position as well. I'm just excited to see how it continues to jell. Last year, we really thought we were going to be good. And we ended up being pretty good. Just not good enough. Now having a lot of the same personalities, it feels a little more seamless," he said.
Depth is one thing. Talent is another.
Chicago certainly has both even if there are players largely unproven.
He points to Tauchman as someone entering the season with confidence. Michael Busch is a solid hitter and should produce. Seiya Suzuki looked like the phenom he was dubbed coming out of Japan.
There are also plenty of talented prospects in the minors waiting for their opportunity to shine on the big stage when they get that call.
"They've done a great job of accumulating talent. Kids are putting their energy in the right places. I've taken some to dinner and talked to them. We're definitely in a good spot," Swanson said.
Of course, all that matters is what takes place on the field.
The Cubs know this after coming up one game short of making the playoffs last season.
Swanson was adamant that the team had enough to make a run despite things looking bleak ahead of the trade deadline in 2023, and he was able to convince the front office not to sell.
Despite coming up short, he was right.
Hopefully the reigning Gold Glover is right about this year's team, too.
