The Chicago Cubs aim to build on their recent success after reaching the Major League Baseball playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2020. Star shortstop Dansby Swanson attributes this progress to the organization fulfilling its commitments to its players, signaling a positive direction for the team.
Focus on Smart Investments Strengthens Team and Aids Recruitment
Swanson, a two-time All-Star, pointed to a deliberate approach in resource allocation as a key factor in the Cubs’ progress. He emphasized how the team has improved by focusing on incremental advantages and making effective decisions to maximize player potential, particularly in certain key areas.
“Yeah, I mean, I think I just, I mean, I think it’s pretty easy to see just how, how our success has grown, how the roster has grown, the things we’ve been able to do to kind of more or like win on the margins,”
Swanson said during his appearance on the Foul Territory podcast.
Pitching Staff Resilience Serves as a Recruitment Advantage
Swanson specifically identified the pitching staff as a prime example of this strategic investment, highlighting how it has evolved into a powerful recruitment asset. He noted the team’s ability to support players recovering from injuries or overcoming less productive seasons, helping them rebuild their careers and value.
“I know that’s not a popular term in today’s world. But you know, spending money in the right areas, understanding how to get the most out of guys. I think you’ve really seen that on the pitching side, which has been its own recruiting tool, just guys that have been able to come back from some injuries or, or from a year or two of what they feel like a subpar performance and being able to find themselves again and make some money from it. I think that that’s a recruiting tool of its own.”
Cubs’ 2025 Season and Playoff Performance
In the 2025 campaign, the Cubs finished with a 92-70 record, placing second in the National League Central Division and securing a playoff berth. They advanced past the National League Wild-Card Round by defeating the San Diego Padres in a three-game series. However, their postseason run ended in the National League Divisional Round, where they were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in five games.
Outlook for 2026 and Confidence in Continued Progress
Swanson’s observations reflect the Cubs’ growing resilience and depth, qualities that he believes will help the team return stronger in the upcoming season. With the organization’s strategic focus on key players and areas, Chicago is poised to maintain competitiveness and enhance its recruiting efforts moving forward.
Dansby Swanson says the Cubs ability to help players find themselves again and make some money from it has become its own recruiting tool.
"I think you've really seen that on the pitching side." pic.twitter.com/SOlyKQJEbO
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 25, 2026
