Cubs Boss Admits Third Base Situation Remains "Unclear" Heading Into Season

The largest question the Chicago Cubs may have to answer this season around the diamond is third base.

The Chicago Cubs had an excellent offseason in what could be one of the most pivotal in this era of the franchise.

Between signing the most coveted manager on the market in Craig Counsell, to re-signing Cody Bellinger, addressing the bullpen with Hector Neris and then signing Shota Imanaga, this winter was excellent for the team and its fanbase. 

One area that was not addressed however was third base. 

Rolling into the 2024 MLB season, Chicago has a few options to man the hot corner. Patrick Wisdom, Christopher Morel and Nick Madrigal will all have a chance to claim their spot. 

But all have their pitfalls when it comes to being an everyday third baseman.

Wisdom has holes at the plate despite his immense power. Morel has little experience both at third and in the Majors. And Madrigal has a hard time staying on the field due to injuries. 

Speaking with the New York Post, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that the third base position was the one that was the most "unclear" at this point and had some uncertainty. 

However, he did mention that the staff intended to let Morel continue to work exclusively at third and not have him move around the diamond. The hope is that the consistency of working one position will allow him to really take hold and ownership of the position. 

While many postulated that Matt Chapman, the top third base free agent on the market, could have been a good fit for the Cubs, ultimately Chicago preferred to let one of their younger in-house players try and seize the opportunity.

And if that plan doesn't work then there is always next winter when Alex Bregman will likely highlight the third base free agency class.