In all likelihood, the Chicago Cubs are probably more than just a piece or two away from contending for a World Series title after missing the playoffs in four straight seasons. On the heels of back-to-back 83-79 seasons even after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in the history of baseball last offseason,

Counsell knows they deserve better than this mediocre product. Big-market expectations are part of what lured him to the Friendly Confines — the chance to be challenged, scrutinized and celebrated for doing something massive. To the best fans in baseball, no one compares to you. pic.twitter.com/aOlzuTaQa0

Sitting in the Wrigley Field home dugout, addressing reporters before the final game of the season, Cubs manager Craig Counsell could have taken the out that was built into the question. Is it naive to think a manager alone can add wins to a team’s record?

The Milwaukee Brewers were eliminated from the postseason and the Chicago Cubs fanbase celebrated — perhaps a little too hard.

The Chicago Cubs had high hopes for outfielder Seiya Suzuki when they signed him ahead of the 2022 season. He started his professional career in Japan in 2013 at the age of 18. Just entering his prime at 27,