Chicago Cubs Make Coaching Staff Changes Heading into 2024

After collapsing down the stretch and missing the National League Playoffs, the Chicago Cubs are switching up their coaching staff this offseason.

Jon Heyman of the New York had the information:

Sources: Cubs part ways with game strategy coach Craig Driver and bullpen coach Chris Young

Sources: Cubs part ways with game strategy coach Craig Driver and bullpen coach Chris Young
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 11, 2023

The Cubs went 7-15 over their final 22 games in September, with the bullpen responsible for much damage in that time.

How much of that is a coaching problem, no one can really be sure.

Per an article on the situation from MLBTradeRumors:

The Cubs were missing several of their top relievers (Adbert Alzolay, Michael Fulmer, Brad Boxberger) to some or most of September due to injuries, so while the fault can hardly all be directed at Young, it could be that upper management felt a change was needed. Since the start of Young’s first season in 2020, the Cubs have had one of the less-impressive bullpens in the sport, though it is again hard to gauge Young’s effectiveness considering how the Cubs were in semi-rebuild mode for at least half of his tenure.

Driver had worked for the Philadelphia Phillies prior to coming to the Cubs.

The Cubs finished 83-79 and in second place in the National League Central. It will be a big offseason for them, highlighted by the free agency of Cody Bellinger.

Will they attempt to re-sign the resurgent outfielder? Or will they let him go in free agency and be forced to find someone new?

There's also the fact that the Cincinnati Reds are getting a lot better, so it's not a foregone conclusion that the Cubs can remain at least the second-best team in the division.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Check out more Chicago Cubs coverage at Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Inside the Cubs.