Cubs preseason capsule: Chicago on upswing with OF Kyle Tucker

Chicago Cubs

2024 record: 83-79 (2nd place, NL Central)

He gone: RHP Adbert Alzolay, OF-IB Cody Bellinger, 3B Isaac Paredes, RHP Kyle Hendricks, 3B Patrick Wisdom, RHP Hayden Wesneski, LHP Drew Smyly, OF Mike Tauchman.

New faces: OF Kyle Tucker, LHP Matthew Boyd, RHP Ryan Pressly, RHP Eli Morgan, 1B Justin Turner, P Colin Rea, RHP Brad Keller, C Carson Kelly, RHP Ryan Brasier, LHP Caleb Thielbar

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Will the Cubs lock Tucker into a long-term contract? After acquiring him from the Houston Astros, the Cubs signed Tucker to a one-year, $16.5 million deal to avoid arbitration. He could become a free agent after the season, with early projections pegging his potential value at $350 million over 10 years. Tucker is the offensive cornerstone the Cubs could build a perennial contender around.

Top prospect: 3B Matt Shaw, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, could add speed and power if he can hold down the hot corner. He hit 21 homers and stole 31 bases while starting at the Double-A level last season and finishing in Triple-A. If spring if any indication, Shaw is ready to contribute.

Breakout player: OF Pete Crow-Armstrong has established himself as an elite defensive outfielder, but he has more to give offensively. He hit .296 in four minor league seasons and he flashed more power for the Cubs this spring.

2025 outlook: After missing the playoffs the past four seasons, the Cubs moved into "win now" mode with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer in the final year of his contract. The Cubs could have a dynamic offense with Tucker joining SS Dansby Swanson, 2B Nico Hoerner, 1B Michael Busch, DH Seiya Suzuki and OF Ian Happ. Chicago's top of the starting rotation is formidable, and the bullpen got a facelift.

--Field Level Media