As the 2025 season comes to a close, the Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads, sparking debate among fans and analysts about whether the year can be classified as a success, failure, or somewhere in between. Ending up second in their division and suffering a narrow playoff defeat against the Milwaukee Brewers has left a bittersweet taste evident among the Cubs’ faithful. This feeling is amplified considering the high expectations following their major offseason acquisition of Kyle Tucker, yet manifesting apparent deficiencies—particularly in pitching—that weren’t adequately addressed.
Despite finishing among the top 10 in MLB for team ERA, the Cubs struggled to secure the elite pitching talent necessary for a serious postseason run. Pitchers like Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon had commendable seasons, but in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, the absence of a dominant ace could prove detrimental. The Cubs opted against costly trades that might have strengthened their pitching staff, preferring to retain promising young prospects poised to contribute in the future.
The Cubs’ batting lineup, on the other hand, remains robust. Even with the potential departure of Kyle Tucker, the team boasts considerable offensive talent across all positions. Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a strong contributor with standout defensive and offensive skills, though he experienced significant fluctuations in performance over the season. Meanwhile, Michael Busch has proven to be a reliable slugger who is expected to escalate his production in the upcoming seasons. The double-play combination of Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson continues to provide value, while rookie Matt Shaw, although facing challenges, has the talent to develop into a significant player.
In the outfield, the presence of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki offers stability and consistency alongside Crow-Armstrong, creating a diverse offensive approach. Carson Kelly, a Chicago native, has enjoyed a breakout year at catcher, with 17 home runs contributing to a streamlined lineup.
While the pitching staff is regarded as reliable, it lacks noteworthy standout performances. However, emerging talents such as Cade Horton could add depth and quality to the rotation, while Daniel Palencia’s notable improvements as a reliever have established him as a key component of the bullpen.
The Cubs are in possession of one of the premier farm systems in baseball, rich in talent ready to make their mark. Should Kyle Tucker depart, the organization has capable replacements like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara waiting to step into the lineup. The likes of Moises Ballesteros and infielders James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas are poised to add depth and strength in the near future.
Despite the struggles of the past season, there is optimism surrounding the Cubs’ prospects. With a strong roster and promising farm system, the Cubs have the potential to be competitive for years to come, paving the way for growth and success in the seasons ahead.
In terms of fantasy prospects, players such as Moises Ballesteros and Ethan Conrad are attracting attention for their promising futures, while seasoned pitchers like Matthew Boyd may not hold the same long-term value due to health concerns and fluctuating performance.
Overall, while the 2025 season may not have culminated in the achievements Cubs fans desired, the combination of a solid current roster, an intriguing talent pool in the minors, and the potential for significant growth suggests that brighter days may lie ahead for the franchise.