The end of 2023 for the Chicago Cubs has been a dud.
There’s no debating that.
After making borderline promises they would have a contending team before next season, the hiring of a new manager is all that the Cubs can point to so far.
Chicago still has time to rectify things and that’s where the New Year’s resolutions come in.
Just like the countless number of people who are looking to better themselves in 2024, the Cubs will need to do the same thing to make sure they live up to the statements they made entering this offseason.
So, here are three resolutions that need to happen in 2024.
Be Aggressive
Throw the Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto situations out of the window.
It became clear that those two really only had eyes for the Los Angeles Dodgers, no matter how much due diligence they, and their agents, did before making their final decisions.
But not landing Tyler Glasnow or Juan Soto in trades?
Now, those can be classified as a lack of aggression on the front office’s part.
Chicago has a very high-end farm system and could have put together a package that enticed the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres to send their stars to them instead of elsewhere.
It’s time for the front office to get aggressive and land players in free agency or via trade in 2024.
Youth Movement
Even after they give up some of their star prospects to land an elite player, they should still cycle in their minor leaguers who are ready to debut.
It worked for them in spots last year when they were forced to rely on rookies Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks in their rotation.
Next season, Pete Crow-Armstrong should be on this roster and playing.
Whoever is left out of the combination of Kevin Alcantara, Owen Caissie, Ben Brown, Cade Horton and Alexander Canario should also get Major League reps.
Stars Need To Be Stars
No matter who is on the Opening Day roster, the star players on this team need to play like stars.
After signing a major deal with the Cubs, Dansby Swanson was a bit underwhelming at the plate, posting an OPS+ of 99 and posting his worst slash line since 2018.
Seiya Suzuki needs to take the next step, Nico Hoerner has to improve on his 97 OPS+, Jameson Taillon needs to pitch better and Justin Steele and Christopher Morel have to continue producing.
If this doesn’t happen, then Chicago won’t achieve their goals in 2024