There is a real chance that the Chicago Cubs could make it back to the playoffs in 2025.
Chicago won 83 games last year and currently has 81 wins with three games to go. The Cubs didn't take the step they hoped for in 2024, but they will have money to spend this winter and have the makings of a good team.
If the Cubs could add at least one or two big pieces this winter, the playoffs are a real possibility in 2025. Chicago could use a starter, and Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston suggested that the club could be in the mix for two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
"The resiliency he showed in overcoming his poor start to the season and returning from injury to compile another relatively strong season will endear the 31-year-old to teams seeking an ace this offseason," Beaston said. "The (New York Mets), Cubs, and (Los Angeles Dodgers) are among the teams that will seek pitching help this offseason, and any of the three would become better instantly with him in the rotation. It is not a given that he leaves San Francisco, though."
Snell signed with the San Francisco Giants after a roller coaster of an offseason. It's expected that he will re-enter free agency with the hope of landing a multi-year lucrative offer. Chicago can afford him and should be in the mix for him this winter. He will be expensive with a deal in the neighborhood of $172 million as a possibility, but that shouldn't push Chicago away.
The Cubs aren't looking to rebuild, so they need to be active in free agency this winter. Snell will be one of the top options out there and would make perfect sense for Chicago.
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