The Chicago Cubs, one of the most recognized Major League Baseball teams worldwide, have been busy this offseason, securing a significant signing in Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. While the Cubs are still in the process of strengthening their roster, their performance in recent years has left much to be desired.

The last time the team made a postseason appearance was in 2020, when they were eliminated by the Miami Marlins. Since that time, the Cubs have struggled to put together a memorable season, leading to calls for change and improvement.

In a recent interview with Rayn Dempster on the Marquee Sports Network, Chicago Cubs General Manager Carter Hawkins discussed the Cubs’ approach and, in particular, commented on the successful model employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hawkins, who has been the Cubs’ GM since the 2021 season, has yet to oversee a major achievement, and his comments revealed a lot about the challenges the Cubs face.

He acknowledged that having a financial advantage is a key factor in a team’s success, noting that the Dodgers are able to leverage their substantial resources to make high-profile acquisitions. “I think, you know, having more money is an advantage, certainly. And they certainly have leveraged the h–k out of that advantage,” Hawkins said, clearly recognizing the Dodgers’ financial power in the league.

However, he didn’t stop there; he also highlighted that the Dodgers’ success is not just a result of their wealth, but also their robust player development system. “But I think the thing the Dodgers have done really, really well in addition is, you know, they have a great drafting and development system,” he added.

Hawkins continued by acknowledging the Dodgers’ excellence but emphasized that the Cubs’ focus must be on their own strategy. “They’re really firing on all cylinders. And, you know, look, that’s awesome. But, you know, that’s their business. And like, we got to figure out our business,” Hawkins remarked.

He made it clear that his primary concern is improving the Cubs, developing players who can compete, and ultimately build a team capable of surpassing the Dodgers. “And, our focus, and everyone else’s focus, has to be on how can we acquire and develop players that compete and ultimately beat that team.”

Despite his efforts to center the conversation on the Cubs’ future, Hawkins’ comments were met with immediate pushback from a fan in the crowd. As the GM spoke about focusing on the Cubs’ own progress, a heckler yelled out, “Spend the money!” This comment was a clear jab at the Cubs’ management, who have faced criticism for being reluctant to invest in high-profile signings.

Despite being located in the third-largest market in MLB, the Cubs have not been known for maintaining a competitive payroll, which has led to growing frustration among their fanbase. Many fans feel that the team’s reluctance to spend money has hindered their ability to compete at the highest level, and Hawkins’ words only seemed to fuel that frustration. With the Cubs’ management under increasing pressure, the challenge now lies in whether the team will follow through with substantial investment and make the moves necessary to return to postseason contention.

Can the Chicago Cubs walk side by side with the LA Dodgers?

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are two of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball. Their recent pasts have been different, however. Traditionally, their games have been closely contested, and the Dodgers have a slight lead in their all-time head-to-head record. The Dodgers have been the National League’s best team for many years, posting outstanding records.

In 2024, they won their second World Series in five years. Their consistent success has solidified their position as one of the top teams in baseball. Their success was enhanced by key additions, including the Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, who chose the Dodgers despite financial parity, due to international contract restrictions.

On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs have not been able to sustain postseason success, failing to make the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. This has been a rebuilding period for the franchise, with an emphasis on player development and roster reconstruction. While the future of the Cubs is uncertain, their rich history and dedicated fan base continue to fuel hopes of a return to championship contention.

The Dodgers have cemented their status as a dynasty by consistently reaching the postseason. They have also acquired players wisely. Meanwhile, the Cubs are in a rebuilding phase to regain their former glory. The recent series win against the Dodgers shows promise, but to “walk side by side” with the Dodgers regularly, the Chicago Cubs will need to continue building up their roster and achieving more consistency in their game.