Hey there, Cubs fans! It’s your guy, Mike Hughes, back with another deep dive into the heart of Chicago sports. Today, we’re zeroing in on the Chicago Cubs’ 2024 season—a year full of highs, lows, and a lot to talk about.
A Promising Start
The 2024 season kicked off with a sense of optimism and purpose, spearheaded by the arrival of new manager Craig Counsell. With his pedigree of success in Milwaukee and his reputation for maximizing talent, Counsell brought fresh energy to a Cubs squad hungry for October baseball. The team’s stars didn’t disappoint early on. Cody Bellinger continued his MVP-caliber form, finishing the season with a .307 batting average, 34 home runs, and 101 RBIs. Dansby Swanson, the defensive wizard at shortstop, chipped in with a steady .275 average and clutch hits in key moments. On the pitching side, Justin Steele dominated as the Cubs’ ace, posting a 2.95 ERA and making a strong case for Cy Young consideration through the first half. Early victories over the Cardinals and Brewers had Wrigley rocking, and it looked like the Cubs were poised to reclaim their spot atop the NL Central.
Mid-Season Struggles
But baseball has a way of humbling even the best teams, and the Cubs were no exception. Injuries began to pile up as Nico Hoerner missed significant time with a hamstring injury and Adbert Alzolay, the bullpen’s backbone, was sidelined during critical stretches. The bullpen struggled mightily in July, with blown saves and late-inning collapses becoming all too common. Despite Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ providing consistent offensive production, the team couldn’t maintain its early-season momentum. A brutal sweep by the Brewers in late July pushed the Cubs out of first place, leaving fans frustrated and questioning whether the roster had enough depth to compete.
Bright Spots Amidst Adversity
Even in a season filled with challenges, the Cubs found reasons for optimism. Christopher Morel’s electric energy was a constant spark, as he slugged 29 home runs and played with unrelenting passion. Rookie pitcher Jordan Wicks emerged as a breakout star in the second half, showcasing a devastating changeup and finishing with a 3.45 ERA over 13 starts. Wicks looks like a future cornerstone of the Cubs’ rotation alongside Steele. Cody Bellinger, who became the heartbeat of the lineup, not only delivered in the batter’s box but also emerged as a vocal leader in the clubhouse. His resurgence has made him one of the league’s most coveted players heading into free agency.
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 season in the books, the Cubs face a pivotal off-season. Key questions loom for the organization: Will the Cubs re-sign Cody Bellinger? His career resurgence has been remarkable, but his market value has skyrocketed. The front office, led by Jed Hoyer, must decide if Bellinger is worth a long-term deal. How can the bullpen be fixed? Alzolay’s return will help, but the Cubs need to bolster their relief corps to avoid another mid-season meltdown. Rotation depth: Steele and Wicks are strong anchors, but adding another top-tier starter would solidify the rotation. Under Craig Counsell’s leadership, the Cubs are building a culture of resilience and competitiveness. His approach helped the team navigate the ups and downs of the season, but the next step is clear: delivering consistent playoff success.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster, a mix of thrilling victories and frustrating defeats. But it also showed the potential of this Cubs team and its young talent. With Counsell at the helm and a promising core in place, the pieces are there for the Cubs to make a serious push in 2025.
As always, Cubs fans, stay hopeful and ready to rally behind this team. The best is yet to come.
Mike Hughes is a Chicago-based sports reporter and podcast host, providing in-depth coverage and analysis of Chicago’s sports teams.
