After the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 2, decisions regarding the player’s future were made. Leadoff man and center fielder Dexter Fowler signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, while closer Aroldis Chapman signed with the New York Yankees. Pitcher Jason Hammel chose not to resign with the Cubs he is still a free agent. Catcher Miguel Montero bad mouthed the Cubs on the day of the parade, so he is not a Cub anymore.

The loss of Fowler hurt especially since he decided to stay in the division with the rival Cardinals. With the signing of 31-year-old Jon Jay more depth is brought at the center fielder position. Almora did a good job filling in at any outfield spots. It will be very interesting to see who will end up being the starting center fielder.

With Chapman leaving, there was a wide open spot for the closer, so the Cubs went out and got two time all-star Wade Davis from the Royals. However, that move cost the Cubs to trade Jorge Soler in order to get Davis.

The question of who will be the fifth starter remains a mystery. Relief pitcher Mike Montgomery did start a few games last year, but I don’t think that he can be a starter all year long. We also still need help in the bullpen. The Cubs need to go out and get a good pitcher because he would most likely end up pitching in the fourth spot. John Lackey is getting old and will most likely retire after this year. Lackey won 11 games last year and had a 3.35 earned run average; however earlier in the year in the year he was very shaky.

With Montero leaving and David Ross retiring there is an opening for the backup catcher. We all know that Wilson Contreras will be the starting catcher, but are left wondering who his backup will be. Personally, I don’t see the Cubs going out and signing a catcher, I think they will just bring up a catcher from triple A like Tim Federowicz.

No matter what, the Cubs do to fill their needs, they still have one of the best lineups in baseball and they are still all young. The Cubs will not only be contenders next year, but for many years to come.