NEWSLETTER
The day has arrived. Opening Day. The most glorious day on the baseball calendar, save for the day of each Chicago Cubs World Series win, of course.
See, I get to say things like that on Opening Day. Maybe the Cubs are far from the favorite to reach the World Series, but sitting here this morning, it’s certainly possible. And we get to watch, enjoy, freak, overreact, laugh, cry, drink, and exhale for AT LEAST a few months, because it will still be possible. If we’re lucky, it goes on another three months from there, and on into the playoffs.
These 2024 Cubs are not a powerhouse, but neither are they an obvious seller. The team is well-balanced and deep, versatile and well-managed. They have a lot of guys who could take a step forward, and a number of veterans who can help keep things steady. I like the group behind them in the upper minors, too, and invariably, in the most successful years, some of those guys have to come up and surprise. I’m not saying this season offers the perfect recipe for a deep run for the Cubs, I’m just saying it’s possible.
Appropriate that the Cubs are opening things up in Texas this year, facing the reigning champion Rangers. They were probably in a more expectant place last year than the Cubs are this year, but they can nevertheless serve as the reminder of how it can all come together for a run. Impactful veterans, developing young stars, emerging prospects, and meaningful trade additions. That’s how the Rangers did it, and it’s how the Cubs would have to do it this year, too.
Let’s get to these games that matter. I’m ready for it. Last year was compelling in a lot of ways – it always is when it goes down to the final day – but deeply frustrating in so many other ways. I’m very OK with having a new season, and slightly new shape to the group, to dig in on and watch for the next 162 games.
The Chicago Cubs face the Texas Rangers tonight at 6:35pm CT on ESPN. Justin Steele versus Nathan Eovaldi.
