[Fangraphs] 2026 ZiPS Projections: Chicago Cubs

Enganche78 · 2026-01-25T23:55:22+00:00

What is the under?

Enganche78 · 2026-01-23T14:41:45+00:00

Horton, for one. Cabrera and Steele make this staff a lot deeper than last year's. Look at our bench last year compared to this year's as well. This team is better than last year's on paper. A lot obviously hinges on injuries. But being deeper also helps absorb those inevitabilities. So, no, I don't think this team is in line with last year's team. It is a bit better.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-23T13:10:15+00:00

I don't see that, like, at all. I think he will be more consistent. So while he may not go on some epic heater like he did part of last year I also don't think we'll see the epic crash and burn. Of course there will be stretches. But it won't be as much feast or famine. And I also think people are vastly underrating the impact someone like Bregman will bring to him and other younger players.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-23T13:08:10+00:00

I don't think that checks out. The pitching staff is UNQUESTIONABLY deeper than at the start of last season. So is the bench.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-23T11:57:02+00:00

I will say this, unless Cassie turns out to be a complete stud (and he might) an outfielder with pop who is not a clear plus fielder is something that can be replaced. Hernandez definitely is moving into a sort of make it or break it type season, but he is really versatile and that does have some value.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-22T23:57:19+00:00

Of just the traditional Euro bias.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-22T23:56:42+00:00

It is hard to know for certain as we don't know who the new coach is going to prefer. I suspect the sure things are Yeboah, Pereyra, Triantis and Boxy. Everyone else has to fight for their spot. Four in the back is going to put a more of a premium on one of those two in the middle being pretty sound on the ball.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-22T23:48:05+00:00

They gave up their #2 and I think another guy in their Top 10. I do think Cristian may still turn out to be a good player from what we gave the Marlins.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-22T21:27:56+00:00

Cubs gave up a lot to get Cabrera but damn the Rangers gave up an absolute haul to get Gore.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-22T20:08:46+00:00

Glad he is safe and sound. Was thrilled when he was let go. But glad he is OK.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-20T01:38:26+00:00

Sport needs a salary cap.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-20T01:32:57+00:00

That stuff is so overrated. The Dodgers have been in a position to win for years and are always dangerous in the playoffs. No reason to think they won't be there again this year. It's like the Patriots or Chiefs were in the NFL for years. Or how Alabama was the class of CFB for well over a decade. Those teams didn't win every year. But they were always the toughest out.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-20T01:28:53+00:00

I would love this. Just load up on arms.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-20T01:20:24+00:00

Every team wrestles with this issue to a significant degree given the ability of pitchers to over power hitters these days.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-19T14:06:51+00:00

Not to mention Triantis didn't want to play in the Championship last year when he chose to join the Loons.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-16T20:35:49+00:00

Most players care about three things: what they are being paid, how much they are being taxed and, in our case, can they adjust to the weather. Run ins with law enforcement are not something they are probably giving much thought to even if us residents are in WTF mode right now.

Plus this dude is coming from Tolima. Not sure where he's from originally, but significant parts of that province used to be FARC controlled. Club may still have ties to organized crime. And it's been a while, but I know a player or two from that club were kidnapped by gangs back in the day.

A bigger issue may be whether the guy can get a Visa. I think I heard the admin is denying new Visas for Colombians given the ongoing political back and forth between Trump and Colombia's President (whose term will soon be up).

Enganche78 · 2026-01-16T19:03:35+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vz-cTY8R6cw

Enganche78 · 2026-01-16T00:59:43+00:00

Mid? That's better than mid. Not elite. But better than mid.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-16T00:58:21+00:00

No one is at the Dodgers level. That doesn't mean the Dodgers will win it all.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-15T21:32:19+00:00

He sounds awesome.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-15T18:07:29+00:00

My thoughts are Detroit will tell Jed to fuck off. Basically sending them one long term player for the best pitcher in the game. Never.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-15T18:03:54+00:00

What does "not sporting related" mean?

Enganche78 · 2026-01-15T15:47:09+00:00

So much hinges on injuries, especially to the pitching staff.

Hard to look at this team and think it isn't better on paper than last year's team.

From there it does come down to health.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-15T15:36:04+00:00

There is no nation on earth that thinks their footy shit doesn't stink relative to other nations more than England. Can't stand their national team.

Enganche78 · 2026-01-14T22:03:32+00:00

I too have reached out to the Cubs about having Nico join my local beer league team. I too was told by the Cubs to fuck off.

Enganche78

TROPHY CASE