The 2022 MLB season has turned into yet another disappointing season for the Chicago Cubs.
Six years after the team won its first World Series in over a century, the team is back to being “lovable” losers.
However, fans are hungry for a championship team.
After getting that taste of victory in 2016, the fans need the winning to continue.
But the Cubs haven’t done this lately, costing them any hopes of a postseason run in 2022.
While 2022 is a wash, the Cubs must focus on 2023, and become contenders once again.
Cubs Have Prospects They Can Work With In 2023
While the 2022 season was over before the All-Star break, the Cubs have a future with their farm system.
Several players from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs show some promise for 2023.
The club’s number two prospect, Brennen Davis, made a long awaited return this month to Iowa.
Playing in his first Triple-A game in nearly four months, #Cubs No. 2 prospect Brennen Davis launched a solo shot to key Tuesday's victory.@ANG_Recruiting #ServeYourWay pic.twitter.com/28l9AdjNKw
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 6, 2022
He’s an outfielder who the Cubs might need in 2023.
Another magnificent prospect who’s dominating the minors in 2022 is first baseman Matt Mervis.
#Cubs No. 21 prospect Matt Mervis leads the Minors with 72 extra-base hits after homering in each of the past two games.@ANG_Recruiting #ServeYourWay pic.twitter.com/ZX7rLsGoxg
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 13, 2022
His home run game and extra-base hits make him a threat on offense.
It’s a major threat that the Cubs will need in 2023 to become contenders once more.
Cubs Must Keep Key Players If They Want A 2023 Postseason Run
Besides needing top prospects to deliver in 2023, the Cubs need to keep some key players they currently have on their roster.
Players like Ian Happ and Willson Contreras are key cornerstones for the Cubs.
While both players were subject to trade rumors, the Cubs kept them this year.
However, Contreras is still without an extended contract, despite not being dealt before the trade deadline.
In fact, reports have the contract negotiations going nowhere between the two.
According to Jesse Rogers from ESPN, it’s been since 2018 since the Cubs and Contreras have held meaningful talks on a contract.
Willson Contreras and the Chicago Cubs haven’t had serious contract talks since 2018 according to @JesseRogersESPN.
That is horrifying. They should be ashamed of themselves for letting it all get to this point. https://t.co/H3flxXp6jM
— DaWindyCityFS (@DaWindyCityFS) July 27, 2022
With him becoming a free agent after 2022, something needs to happen.
The Cubs clearly couldn’t get an offer they wanted, so that’s why they have him.
However, if they let him walk, they get nothing in return.
This puts Chicago in a dangerous position, as Contreras is a solid player they need and a fan favorite.
Chicago Needs To Move On From David Ross To Improve In 2023
Most Cubs fans put the blame of the team’s failures during 2022 on manager David Ross.
Countless fans on Twitter talk about how he can’t manage a game, or the Cubs bullpen.
Because of this, there are a segment of fans who want Ross gone in 2023.
David Ross cannot comeback next season as the manager! Leiter Jr. has blown so many opportunities to save or hold leads in a game that I have lost count! As the manager he has to know who can get the job done out of the bullpen, but he keeps bringing in guys who can’t pitch!
— Gregory Winfrey (@g23winfrey) September 8, 2022
However, it’s doubtful that Chicago will fire Ross.
He can easily point to how he never had a great team to start the season.
But the greatest managers in baseball help mold talented players, not wait for them to be dropped in their lap.
Because of the errors Ross has made during his career as the Cubs manager, he can’t stay.
Keeping him only prevents the team from learning from their mistakes and having an observant manager.
Changing the manager of the Cubs will help the team reclaim their glory in 2023.
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