Cubs Prioritize Young Players Extensions Amid Free Agent Decisions

As the Chicago Cubs head into the 2025 offseason, their focus is on building a stronger team following a promising playoff run. Nico Hoerner, a National League Silver Slugger finalist and Gold Glove candidate, is a top priority for a contract extension due to his consistent offensive and defensive performance. The Cubs also face decisions regarding free agents like Kyle Tucker, who, despite an uneven season, remains a valuable player, and reliever Andrew Kittredge, whose future with the team is uncertain given his age and postseason struggles. Pitching remains a critical area for improvement, with the Cubs eyeing potential free agent ace Michael Kopech to address their need for more dominant starting rotation strikeout ability. Overall, the Cubs aim to secure young talent and improve pitching depth to build on their recent success and prepare for upcoming challenges, including a likely 2027 lockout and collective bargaining negotiations.