Chicago Cubs Among Most Desperate Teams to Make Winter Meetings Splash

The Chicago Cubs made arguably the first big splash of the MLB offseason when they fired David Ross and then hired Craig Counsell from their divisional rivals the Milwaukee Brewers.

They have a lot riding on this offseason. Last year, the front office went out and signed Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger and brought in Jameson Taillon. Two of those three moves pay massive dividends and the Cubs remained in the hunt for a postseason berth all the way to the bitter end.

But the 2024 MLB season will be different. It's playoffs or bust. And with all the high-profile changes, this offseason and the next in week in particular could be the most pivotal as the MLB Winter Meetings will be taking place.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale place the Cubs among the most desperate of teams to make a major splash next week and this season.

"You don’t fire your beloved manager, steal manager Craig Counsell from your rival, pay him a record salary, shout from the Chicago rooftops that it’s Ohtani or bust, and sit back and tell your fanbase that at least you tried if you don’t land him. Uh-uh. It’s not good enough," writes Nightengale.

"The Cubs have to go big, and at least win the NL Central, or heads will roll in their front office, too."

That is pretty ominous coming from Nightengale. If Chicago misses out on Ohtani and the NL Central title, it may be time for a mixup in the front office?

One thing is certain, there are plenty of moves to make to improve this team. Matt Chapman is a clear upgrade at third base. Bellinger could be brought back to main centerfield. Plenty of pitching options remain to bolster both the rotation and bullpen. The trade market is ripe to take advantage of.

And yes, there is Ohtani.

A big splash seems likely for this franchise in the near future.