Wait and hope isn’t a plan.
Jed Hoyer’s Tuesday morning press conference was a combination of tap dancing and preaching the gospel of long-term development. If Chicago Cubs‘ fans were hoping that the organization would be swinging for the fences when it comes to free agency, Hoyer did little to fan the flames of optimism. Instead, he said the budget would be determined later during organizational meetings.
If the organization was determined to be aggressive this offseason, I would think that Hoyer would know it already.
It’s the weather
Hoyer laid at least some of the blame for the Cubs’ lack of offensive production on the weather. Hoyer cited the fact that Wrigley Field was the 29th ranked ballpark in MLB in terms of offensive production. Maybe even 30th when the last weekend of the season is factored in. In 2023, Wrigley Field ranked as the seventh best park for offense.
Cubs’ fans can only hope the plan going forward to improve the offense is hope for better weather.
Maybe a more diversified roster, or at the very least a different approach during games when the wind is howling in at Wrigley Field would help. Watching the Cubs hit one lazy flyball after another is immensely frustrating. It’s also a losing formula.