The Chicago Cubs have been actively addressing their roster needs in preparation for the upcoming season. With a revamped rotation and a solid addition at first base, the Cubs are determined to bounce back from a disappointing season.

One significant move made by the Cubs was the acquisition of pitcher Justin Imanaga, who joins a rotation that already boasts lefty Justin Steele and righties Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks. The Cubs are confident that this rotation will provide them with a strong foundation for success.

In addition to the pitching staff, the Cubs were also keen on addressing their first base situation, which has been lackluster since the departure of star first baseman Anthony Rizzo in 2021. Over the past two seasons, the Cubs ranked near the bottom of the league in offensive production from their first basemen.

To rectify this issue, the Cubs made a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquiring talented first baseman Michael Busch. The left-handed-hitting Busch, who was the MVP of the Pacific Coast League last season, brings an impressive on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.049 along with a .323 batting average, 27 homers, and 90 RBIs. Comparisons have been drawn between Busch and Dodgers' infielder Max Muncy, indicating the potential impact that Busch could have on the Cubs' lineup.

In addition to Busch, the Cubs also added bullpen arm Yency Almonte in the trade with the Dodgers, strengthening their pitching depth.

However, the Cubs may not be done with their offseason moves just yet. Reports suggest that they are in negotiations with Jordan Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and Rhys Hoskins. Bellinger, who was the Cubs' third-best position player last year, would be a significant addition to their roster.

The Cubs and their arch-rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, are currently viewed as co-favorites in the NL Central division, with both teams projected to win around 84.5 games, according to sportsbooks.

As the Cubs continue to make moves to improve their roster, fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the season. The recent hiring of Chaim Bloom to a front-office role has sparked discussion among sports columnists Ben Frederickson and Jeff Gordon, who are analyzing the fan sentiment leading up to the Winter Warm-up event this weekend.

With a newfound determination and a revamped roster, the Cubs have set their sights on a successful season ahead, aiming to reclaim their status as a competitive force in the MLB.