The bullpen is the one area that will need help from outside the organization. Porter Hodge emerged as an effective high-leverage option during the second half of the season and should be a big part of the 2025 puzzle. While there are other relievers who showed potential, none of them can be trusted to open next season with a late-inning role.

Seiya Suzuki homered, Cody Bellinger drove in three runs and the Chicago Cubs topped the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Thursday night to stave off elimination from the postseason.

With another offseason approaching with him as the skipper, the Cubs need to put him in a better position to win. Counsell is an excellent manager, but with the lack of talent on