The Chicago Cubs are making strides in preparation for the upcoming season, having recently signed veteran closer Ryan Pressly, bolstering their bullpen. The deal instills confidence in the Cubs' management as pitchers and catchers report soon, yet challenges remain. The front office is rumored to still be active in the trade market, with speculation surrounding potential acquisitions like Alex Bregman from the Houston Astros and interest in players from the San Diego Padres and other teams. Cubs' GM Jed Hoyer has a substantial budget under the luxury tax threshold, leading discussions about how aggressive the team will be before the season begins.

Fans are eager to see how Jed Hoyer’s offseason decisions will shape the Cubs, especially with the addition of Pressly, who could become a pivotal figure in the bullpen. However, the need for further improvement remains a topic of discussion. With potential moves still on the table, questions linger about the Cubs' approach, either consolidating resources into high-profile trades or spreading out their investments for sustained success throughout the season.

In the latest discussion surrounding fantasy baseball, the focus is on starting pitcher tiers, especially with the recent trade of Ryan Pressly to the Cubs, raising questions about his role as a closer and how it affects the rankings. The top-tier starting pitchers include names like Carrick Scoel, Zack Wheeler, and Paul Skenes, all of whom performed exceptionally well last season. However, Wheeler's relatively lower average draft position (ADP) of 22.8 compared to the others has sparked debate, with analysts advocating for his value based on his proven durability and strikeout potential.

As the conversation progresses, more elite names like Corbin Burns and Blake Snell are discussed, particularly noting Burns' transition to the Diamondbacks and Snell's recent signing with the Dodgers. The analysts express caution regarding Snell's performance due to his history of injuries and limited innings pitched. The strategy for drafting pitchers this year seems to hinge on the depth available, with many valuable options appearing in the mid to late rounds, presenting opportunities for savvy managers to capitalize on slipped values.