Chicago Cubs Roster Update: Key Players and 2025 Fantasy Impact

2025 MLB Column: Chicago Cubs’ High Expectations and Betting Insights

Did the Cubs Do Enough to Win the NL Central?

The Cubs had an interesting offseason, headlined by the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, one of the best all-around players in baseball. While they missed out on a potential upgrade at third base like Alex Bregman, Tucker provides a major offensive boost. However, questions remain about whether they did enough to separate themselves from the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates in a competitive NL Central.

The projected lineup is solid but has some holes. Ian Happ will lead off, followed by Tucker and Seiya Suzuki. Michael Busch gets another shot at first base, while Dansby Swanson hopes to rebound after a disappointing 2024. Nico Hoerner, when healthy, is reliable, but Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is a key wild card. If PCA doesn’t take a step forward, Chicago might lack the depth to truly dominate.

Betting Market: Is Kyle Tucker Enough to Make the Cubs the Clear Favorite?

Buy or Sell: The Cubs Will Have the Best Offense in the NL Central?

• Buy: Adding Tucker elevates the lineup, and if Swanson and PCA step up, this could be the division’s most complete offense.

• Sell: Losing Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees hurts, and first and third base remain question marks. They could still be a bat short.

Strength in Pitching: Imanaga and Steele Lead the Way

The Cubs might have the best 1-2 punch in the division with Shōta Imanaga and Justin Steele. Imanaga was one of the best fantasy draft picks last season, far exceeding expectations, while Steele remains a steady, top-tier starter. Beyond them, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad round out the rotation, though Assad may start the year on the IL.

The Cubs’ starting pitching might be what separates them from other NL Central teams, where rotations have more question marks.

Betting Market: Cubs’ Pitching Staff vs. the Division

Buy or Sell: The Cubs Have the Best Rotation in the NL Central?

• Buy: Imanaga and Steele are a legitimate 1-2 combo, and Taillon provides experience.

• Sell: Depth is a concern, and an injury to one of their top two could hurt them more than it would for other teams.

The Back End: Cubs Upgrade at Closer

One of Chicago’s best moves this offseason was landing Ryan Pressly to close games. Pressly, formerly of Houston, has been one of the most reliable closers in baseball. While he won’t be the first closer drafted in fantasy leagues, he provides the Cubs with stability in the ninth inning, something they lacked last year.

Betting Market: Pressly’s Save Total

Buy or Sell: Pressly Will Save Over 30 Games?

• Buy: The Cubs will be competitive, and Pressly has no clear competition for the job.

• Sell: If he struggles early, someone like Julian Merryweather could step in, but that seems unlikely.

Are the Cubs the Team to Beat in the NL Central?

The Cubs are one of the top contenders, but they still have questions at first base, third base, and center field. If Pete Crow-Armstrong emerges as a star, Chicago might have enough depth to win the division outright. If not, this race is wide open.

Buy or Sell: The Cubs Will Win the NL Central?

• Buy: Their pitching staff gives them an edge, and adding Tucker was a game-changer.

• Sell: The Pirates, Reds, and Brewers all have strong cases, and Chicago may still need another bat to separate themselves.

Final Betting Takeaways

• Kyle Tucker is a massive upgrade, but is it enough?

• Imanaga and Steele provide a strong rotation foundation.

• Pressly solidifies the bullpen.

• The NL Central remains wide open, but the Cubs have a strong case.

The Cubs have the pieces to compete, but they’ll need their young players to step up to truly dominate the division.

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