The Chicago Cubs entered the 2024 Major League Baseball season with aspirations of reclaiming their status as perennial contenders. Under the guidance of new manager Craig Counsell, the team sought to improve upon their previous performances and make a significant impact in the National League Central division. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Cubs’ 2024 season standings, highlighting key moments, player performances, and areas for future improvement.
Preseason Expectations and Managerial Changes
The offseason preceding the 2024 season was marked by significant changes for the Cubs. In a surprising move on November 6, 2023, the organization parted ways with manager David Ross after four seasons at the helm. Craig Counsell, who had previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers for nine years, was appointed as the new manager on the same day. This decision was unexpected, as there had been no prior indications of managerial changes. Counsell’s five-year contract, valued at $8 million per year, made him the highest-paid manager in MLB history.
The managerial change signaled the Cubs’ commitment to a fresh direction and renewed competitiveness. Counsell’s track record with the Brewers, where he led the team to multiple postseason appearances, fueled optimism among fans and analysts alike. The organization hoped that his leadership would translate into improved on-field performance and a return to playoff contention.
Season Overview: A Rollercoaster Ride
The Cubs’ 2024 season can best be described as a rollercoaster, with periods of promise interspersed with challenges. The team finished the season with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses, mirroring their performance from the previous year. This record placed them in a tie for second place in the National League Central division, 10 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Throughout the season, the Cubs displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in their offensive lineup. However, inconsistencies in both pitching and hitting prevented the team from maintaining a sustained push toward the top of the standings. Despite these challenges, the Cubs remained in the playoff hunt for a significant portion of the season, keeping fans engaged and hopeful.
Key Player Performances
Several players stood out during the 2024 season, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance:
Seiya Suzuki (Right Fielder): Suzuki led the team with a batting average of .283, showcasing his consistency at the plate. His ability to get on base and drive in runs made him a crucial component of the Cubs’ offense.
Ian Happ (Left Fielder): Happ emerged as the team’s primary power hitter, leading the Cubs with 25 home runs and 86 RBIs. His offensive contributions were instrumental in several key victories throughout the season.
Nico Hoerner (Second Baseman): Hoerner showcased his speed and base-running intelligence by leading the team with 31 stolen bases. His agility added a dynamic element to the Cubs’ offensive strategy.
Shota Imanaga (Pitcher): The Japanese rookie was a bright spot in the Cubs’ pitching rotation, achieving a 2.91 ERA and securing 15 wins. His performances positioned him as a strong candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year.
While these individual performances were noteworthy, the team often struggled to synchronize their efforts, leading to missed opportunities and close losses.
Pitching Woes and Defensive Challenges
Pitching inconsistencies were a recurring issue for the Cubs throughout the season. While Imanaga provided stability, other starters and relievers faced challenges in maintaining leads and closing out games. The bullpen, in particular, had moments of brilliance overshadowed by bouts of inefficiency, leading to several late-game collapses.
Defensively, the team faced challenges with errors and lapses in concentration at critical moments. These defensive shortcomings often extended innings and provided opponents with additional scoring opportunities, further complicating the Cubs’ quest for consistency.
Offensive Highlights and Struggles
Offensively, the Cubs had a mixed season. While players like Suzuki and Happ provided power and consistency, the team as a whole struggled with runners in scoring position. There were numerous instances where the Cubs left multiple runners stranded, missing out on opportunities to break games open.
Additionally, the team lacked depth in the lineup, making them susceptible to opposing pitchers who could navigate through the top hitters. This lack of depth became more evident during critical stretches of the season when injuries and slumps affected key players.
Season Finale and Missed Playoff Berth
The Cubs’ playoff hopes were officially dashed on September 21, 2024, following a loss to the Washington Nationals. This defeat marked the fourth consecutive season without a postseason appearance for the franchise. The team concluded the season with an 83-79 record, identical to their 2023 performance, underscoring the need for significant improvements to break the cycle of mediocrity.
The final series of the season against the Cincinnati Reds epitomized the Cubs’ struggles. In the season finale on September 29, the Cubs suffered a 3-0 loss in 10 innings. Despite a strong performance by pitcher Caleb Kilian, who delivered five scoreless innings, the offense failed to capitalize, leading to a shutout loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Chicago Cubs Standings
1. How did the Chicago Cubs perform in the 2024 MLB season?
The Chicago Cubs finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, tying for second place in the National League Central division. While they remained competitive throughout the season, inconsistency in pitching and offensive struggles prevented them from securing a postseason berth. Their performance mirrored their 2023 record, highlighting the need for roster improvements.
2. What were the biggest challenges for the Cubs in 2024?
The Cubs faced several key challenges, including inconsistent bullpen performances, struggles with runners in scoring position, and defensive lapses. While some players had standout seasons, the team often failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leading to close losses. Their bullpen struggled to close out games, resulting in multiple late-game defeats that hurt their standings.
3. Who were the standout players for the Cubs this season?
Clash Several players had impressive performances in 2024:
Seiya Suzuki led the team with a .283 batting average.
Ian Happ emerged as the top power hitter, smashing 25 home runs.
Nico Hoerner showcased his speed with 31 stolen bases.
Shota Imanaga, a Japanese rookie pitcher, posted a 2.91 ERA and won 15 games, making him a strong contender for National League Rookie of the Year.
4. Did the Cubs make any major changes to their coaching staff?
LaVar Yes, one of the most significant offseason Chicago moves was the hiring of Craig Counsell as the new manager. The Cubs surprised many by replacing David Ross despite his four seasons in charge. Counsell, previously with the Chicago Milwaukee Brewers, was signed to a record-breaking contract, making him the highest-paid manager in MLB history at $8 million per year.
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