This offseason, more than ever, will definitely bring a lot of uncertainty not only for the Cubs but across MLB as well. There are no guarantees and frankly after the end of 2018, I’m in “I’ll believe it when I see it mode” when it comes to the Cubs and making substantial changes.
However, this time it really felt like Theo Epstein was putting emphasis on things needing to change, as he met with the media after another disappointing end to a short postseason run.
And of course the changes that we all know need to happen have to do with the offense.
Theo: "Some change is warranted and necessary. … Simply hoping for a better outcome going forward doesn't seem like a thoughtful approach."
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) October 5, 2020
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Theo: offensively, we have to be open to embracing some change.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) October 5, 2020
After five postseason appearances, three division titles, three consecutive trips to the NLCS and one World Series championship the Cubs core has come woefully short of expectations in the playoffs dating back to 2018. We know the names and we know the contract statuses heading into the 2021 season.
Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber will all be free agents following 2021, and while we knew not everyone would be re-signed, that reality is becoming crystal clear.
Theo Epstein acknowledged that while they aren't calling it a definitive end for this core, he says #Cubs are in period of transition. Says he expects some of this group to have long careers in Chicago, but knows some will have long careers elsewhere.
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) October 5, 2020
Theo: "I talked about being accountable and owning it – we can't continue to run the exact same offense, the exact same group of guys out there and expect better results." https://t.co/dQ8SURKG1s
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) October 5, 2020
Near the end of Monday’s press conference, Epstein was asked about the challenges of making moves this upcoming offseason with all the question marks around MLB.
One thing really stood out, as Epstein specifically talked about the value of having players with one-year deals in 2021, not just for the Cubs next season, but also in terms of trade value to build for the future.
This definitely caught my attention too.
Theo on value of guys with 1-year deals for the 2021 Cubs and the trade market: https://t.co/qbJFl5VlFN pic.twitter.com/fMNWCxX6Pd
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) October 5, 2020
And I know what you’re thinking, “we heard this in 2018 and nothing changed.” True, but things are different. It’s now been three straight awful ends to a season with the offense struggling, not just one, three-month period in 2018.
Monday’s comments did seem to acknowledge that mistakes were made by the front office’s belief in the core.
Theo: "We've had a lot of belief in this group, to our benefit. … And if one wants to turn that around and say that's been to our detriment the last three Octobers? I can own that, too."
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) October 5, 2020
Yet, like I said at the start, I’ll believe it when I see it. However, today’s comments feel like they were more indicative of change than in prior years.
As for Epstein’s future with the Cubs? Yeah, he’s going to finish out his contract that expires after 2021.
“Do you have a sense for what will be next for you?”
Theo Epstein: pic.twitter.com/4ACrrv8if2
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) October 5, 2020
But after that?
Theo on possibility of an extension: I think there's benefit to change after a significant time on job. I have to keep that in mind.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) October 5, 2020
