3 Cubs off-season additions to already be concerned about

The Chicago Cubs had a lot of players come to their organization during the off-season for a lot of combined money. The team was not shy about spending to make the team more competitive this year.

It won’t be long before we realize whether or not they were smart. It would take a full (and healthy) team effort in order to have a successful season that ended in the playoffs.

Well, as we’ve seen in spring training, not every one of the new guys had a lot of success. It is only spring but it is fair to be a bit concerned heading into Opening Day.

The Cubs spent a lot of money for these guys to be good. These are the three off-season additions to already be concerned about:

The Chicago Cubs are hoping all of these guys end up having good years.

1. Dansby Swanson

Dansby Swanson was amazing in 2022 with the Atlanta Braves. He won the World Series with them one year prior too which is very nice for him.

He was known for being an okay hitter with an elite glove at shortstop before becoming an offensive force in 2022. He hit well at the perfect time as it earned him a lot of money with the Chicago Cubs.

So far, however, he has looked below average with his bat. Again, it is only spring training but the early signs are not good as he only hit two home runs, had four RBIs, and had a .122 batting average. He needs to be better.

2. Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger did have three home runs and eight RBIs during spring training but his batting average was still a lowly .200. Following multiple years of serious decline, he was a risky signing to make in the first place.

Yes, it is fair to be worried about him because of the fact that he didn’t necessarily light it up in spring training which is following some pretty brutal years for him personally with the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is a reason they let him go. At this point, the Cubs should hope he is just okay.

3. Tucker Barnhart

For a long time, Tucker Barnhart has been one of the best defensive catchers in the world. He was never known for being a good hitter but the Cubs have to be concerned with how actually bad he was at the plate in spring training.

It is one thing to be on the team for defense. It is another to be a free out almost 90 percent of the time which is what happened to him. His OPS was a lowly .361 which is far below a replacement-level player. He needs to improve if he is going to play somewhat often. The Cubs need more from all of these guys in 2023.