The Cubs’ pitching coach, Tommy Hottovy, has shared insights into his desired upgrades for the team this offseason. While fans are eager for improvements, Hottovy emphasized the importance of reinforcing the middle of the bullpen.
He believes solidifying the bullpen is crucial and expressed the need for additional starting pitching to provide flexibility for versatile players who can start or contribute from the bullpen.
Hottovy acknowledged the team’s reliance on a few pitchers last season, which contributed to their playoff miss. He also mentioned considering young talents from the team’s pipeline but emphasized the value of acquiring two bullpen pieces to ease the learning curve for rookies.
Surprisingly, Hottovy sees the addition of another starting pitcher as essential, especially with the departure of Marcus Stroman. Despite pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Cubs have not made significant progress in acquiring another starter. The team has been linked to star power acquisitions, but as of now, no major deals have materialized.
The uncertainty surrounding the reunion with free agent Cody Bellinger adds another layer to the Cubs’ offseason plans. While Bellinger had a strong offensive performance with the Cubs last year, talks between the team and the player’s agent, Scott Boras, have not reached a resolution. Other teams, including the Giants, Jays, and Mariners, are potential suitors, with the Phillies and Angels also speculated as options.
Bellinger’s free-agent case is intriguing, considering his past achievements, including being an MVP, top-10 finishes, and exceptional offensive statistics.
However, his history of two subpar seasons and concerns about hard-hit rates and exit velocities in 2023 make his free agency one of the most captivating in recent years. The Cubs, like their fans and coaching staff, appear eager for significant moves to address their needs and improve the team’s overall performance.
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