The Chicago Cubs are far further behind than they ought to be, as the postseason has only served to highlight. They lack the offensive punch to compete with some of the other elite teams in the National League.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are two clubs who can swing it with the best in the game and get hot at any time, as they have demonstrated.

But the Cubs were among the worst offensive teams in MLB this past season, which presents a challenge for a team hoping to challenge in the near future.

Though the 2024 performance was disappointing, it makes sense that the supporters need to see the front staff make the proper decisions in order to have faith in the team going forward. Nevertheless, there are reasons to be optimistic about Chicago’s future.

They may have more trade assets than any other baseball team in terms of farm system. Financially speaking, it’s past time for the Cubs to start opening their wallets and paying players the cash they desire if doing so will enable them to win.

When Juan Soto becomes a free agent this winter, they will have to deal with that situation.

While Soto wouldn’t solve every problem with Chicago’s lineup, he would provide a superstar for the next ten years and be a great first step in the right direction.

His most recent contract projection, though, doesn’t seem good for the Cubs.

Baseball America’s Eli Ben-Porat projected that Soto will sign a $701 million contract this offseason.

“What kind of deal will Soto receive? I boldly projected before the season that Soto would get a 15-year, $701 million contract with the Yankees. Please disregard my previous predictions. That’s about what I predict he’ll get in free agency, and I don’t think the Yankees will let him walk very much. There aren’t many baseball players you can count on to have a six-win floor over the next three seasons, so any team hoping to win the World Series will want to sign him. Similar to the notorious “Arson Judge” incident, wherein the Yankees slugger briefly appeared to begoing to San Francisco, I think New York will do whatever it takes to sign him. And I think that number will be $1 million more than what Shohei Ohtani received.”

With all the other issues in the lineup, paying one hitter $701 million would be tough to justify.

Arguably the finest hitter in baseball, thus no one would be disappointed to acquire him, but can he truly solve all their issues?

Most likely not.