Was 2025 a missed opportunity for the Chicago Cubs? It’s a question that divides fans and analysts alike. Finishing second in their division and falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in a tight playoff series left a bitter taste, especially after the high-profile acquisition of Kyle Tucker during the offseason. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a strong lineup, the Cubs failed to address their glaring pitching weaknesses, leaving many to wonder if they could have gone further with just one more ace. And this is the part most people miss—while their pitching staff was solid, it lacked the top-tier talent needed to dominate in the postseason. Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon were reliable, but in a short playoff series, you need that one pitcher who can shut down the opposition when your offense stalls. The Cubs’ decision to hold onto their future assets instead of making a deadline move for pitching may come back to haunt them.
Even with Kyle Tucker’s likely departure, the Cubs’ lineup remains one of the league’s best. Pete Crow-Armstrong, with his elite defense and power-speed combo, is the closest thing they have to a superstar, though his second-half slump raised questions about his consistency. Michael Busch delivers exactly what the Cubs expected—a power-hitting first baseman who drives in runs. Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson form a dynamic double-play duo, while Matt Shaw, despite underperforming, has the tools to become a 20-20 threat. The outfield is a strength, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki providing stability and power. Carson Kelly’s breakout season at catcher added depth to an already formidable lineup.
The pitching staff, while unremarkable, is dependable. Boyd, Imanaga, and Taillon can eat innings and keep games close, but the real wildcard is Cade Horton, who showed flashes of brilliance late in the season. Can he become the strikeout artist the Cubs need? The bullpen, anchored by Daniel Palencia and his triple-digit fastball, is solid but volatile. Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey are ready to step in if Palencia falters.
The Cubs’ farm system is a treasure trove of talent, with Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara poised to step in if Tucker leaves. Moises Ballesteros, a high-floor hitter, just needs a position to call home, while James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas are knocking on the door. Jaxon Wiggins, the standout pitching prospect, could join Horton at the top of the rotation soon.
But here’s the burning question: Can the Cubs turn their wealth of talent into a championship? With a strong farm system and a solid core, they’re built to contend for years. Yet, their reluctance to address pitching weaknesses in 2025 may linger as a what-if. Dynasty managers should take note—this team has impressive value up and down the roster, but their ceiling hinges on bold moves.
Dynasty Buys
Moises Ballesteros: Since his 2021 debut, Ballesteros has consistently posted a wRC+ of 100 or higher, including a stellar .298/.394/.474 slash line in 66 MLB plate appearances. His defense at catcher remains a question, but his bat is MLB-ready. If he sticks at catcher, he could be a top-five fantasy option.
Ethan Conrad: Drafted 17th overall in 2025, Conrad is already generating buzz. His .372/.495/.744 slash line at Wake Forest hints at another quick riser in the Cubs’ system, following in the footsteps of Kris Bryant and Ian Happ.
Dynasty Sells
Matthew Boyd: Despite a standout 2025 (3.21 ERA, 179.2 IP), Boyd’s injury history and second-half fade raise red flags. At 35, dynasty owners should consider selling high.
Miguel Amaya: Once the Cubs’ catcher of the future, Amaya’s injury-plagued 2025 and Carson Kelly’s emergence have pushed him to third on the depth chart. His .281/.314/.500 line in 28 games was impressive but unsustainable.
Top Fantasy Prospects
1. Moisés Ballesteros (C, MLB): A legitimate bat with a .300 average potential and 20-25 HR power. If he sticks at catcher, he’s a top-five fantasy asset.
2. Owen Caissie (OF, MLB): Power is undeniable (22 HRs in Triple-A), but contact issues persist. A buy-low candidate for 2027 when playing time opens up.
3. Jonathan Long (1B, AAA): A high-floor hitter with a strong average and 20-30 HR potential. Roster crowding in Chicago may delay his impact, but he’s worth the wait.
4. Jaxon Wiggins (RHP, AAA): The Cubs’ top pitching prospect, Wiggins could join the rotation soon, offering strikeout potential despite a projected 4.41 ERA.
Final Thought: The Cubs’ future is bright, but their 2025 season leaves room for debate. Are they a contender or a team still figuring it out? What’s your take? Do you buy into their dynasty potential, or do their weaknesses outweigh their strengths? Let the discussion begin!
