In a press conference held in Arizona, the Chicago Cubs' President Jed Hoyer, GM Carter Hawkins, and newly appointed Manager Craig Counsell shared their insights on the upcoming Spring Training and the progress made during the offseason.

Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of interaction and building relationships during Spring Training. He highlighted the need for the players to get to know each other and establish strong connections within the team.

Jed Hoyer expressed his confidence in the Cubs' deep roster, acknowledging the potential for player development. However, he acknowledged that the focus at the moment is on the current players, rather than adding new additions.

The Cubs' braintrust discussed the ongoing conversations about handling right-handed pitching and the team's efforts to balance negotiations, without revealing their strategy. While the media pressed for details on negotiations with Cody Bellinger, the Cubs' officials emphasized their admiration for Bellinger's skills but also mentioned that they are in contact with several free agents.

Jed Hoyer expressed excitement for the upcoming spring season, particularly due to the abundance of young talent in camp. He believes that the infusion of young players aligns with the direction of the game and presents an opportunity for the team's future success.

Manager Craig Counsell spoke about the significance of Spring Training for the young players, as they get the chance to work alongside established big leaguers and coaches. He emphasized the importance of fundamentals, health, and not looking too far ahead.

The Cubs' braintrust clarified that the results of spring games may not be significant, but what truly matters is the continuous teaching and development happening on the field. They value one-on-one interactions with coaches and small group sessions to help players improve.

Reflecting on the previous season, Jed Hoyer mentioned the toll that the sprint to reach a positive win-loss record took on the team. However, he emphasized that the players achieved remarkable accomplishments and expressed the belief that the bitter taste of the season's end will fuel their motivation for the upcoming year.

The Cubs' officials also discussed their interest in pitcher Hector Neris, highlighting his consistent performance and leadership qualities in the bullpen as factors that attracted their attention.

Jed Hoyer commended PCA's (possibly a player's initials) hard work during the offseason, noting that they had shown dedication by consistently attending training sessions. He praised the player's physical condition and team-oriented mindset, expressing their desire for anyone who can contribute to the team's success.

Overall, the press conference provided insights into the Cubs' aspirations for Spring Training and their view on the offseason progress. While no major announcements were made, the Cubs' braintrust conveyed a sense of normalcy and continuity as they look forward to the upcoming season.