The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of an aggressive offseason restructuring, and the latest move signals a clear ultimatum for three key players: catcher Miguel Amaya, left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks, and veteran right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks. With the team under the new leadership of manager Craig Counsell, the Cubs’ front office appears to be sending a direct message—improve your performance, or face the possibility of being cut.
This drastic measure comes as the Cubs look to build on the momentum of a 2023 season that fell short of expectations. Craig Counsell, recently signed to one of the most high-profile managerial deals in MLB history, is tasked with steering the Cubs back into contention. Known for his success with the Milwaukee Brewers, Counsell brings a strong emphasis on development, versatility, and aggressive roster management. These traits appear to be reflected in the team’s decision to evaluate players closely before locking in contracts for the long term.
Miguel Amaya: Future in Question
Miguel Amaya, once one of the Cubs’ top prospects, is facing uncertainty about his role moving forward. While Amaya made strides during the 2023 season, his performance has been inconsistent, particularly in the batting department. Despite his potential as a strong defensive catcher, his offensive production remains a concern. At 25, Amaya still has time to realize his potential, but the Cubs are clearly not willing to wait indefinitely.
The ultimatum for Amaya is simple: show significant improvement during the offseason and early spring training, or risk losing a spot on the roster. With the team looking to solidify its core for the future, Amaya’s window to secure his long-term role may be narrowing.
Jordan Wicks: The Pressure on a Young Arm
Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks, one of the Cubs’ top young arms, is also facing pressure to step up. Wicks, who debuted in 2023, showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent in key outings. At 24 years old, the Cubs still see promise in his future, but they are also operating with a sense of urgency. With the team hoping to contend sooner rather than later, they can’t afford to wait for Wicks to fully develop over several seasons.
Craig Counsell, known for maximizing the potential of his pitching staffs, will likely have a hands-on role in guiding Wicks’ progress. However, the team’s ultimatum suggests that Wicks needs to show marked improvement in command and effectiveness, or he could find himself back in the minors or traded.
Kyle Hendricks: The End of an Era?
Perhaps the most shocking name on this list is Kyle Hendricks, the right-handed veteran who has been a staple of the Cubs’ rotation since 2014. Hendricks, affectionately known as “The Professor,” was a key part of the team’s 2016 World Series victory and has long been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. However, the last few seasons have seen a decline in his performance, with injuries and diminished velocity contributing to a lack of effectiveness on the mound.
At 34 years old, Hendricks is no longer the pitcher he once was, and the Cubs appear to be preparing for life without him. While Hendricks could still have value as a back-of-the-rotation starter or in a bullpen role, the team’s ultimatum indicates they are not afraid to move on if he doesn’t bounce back quickly.
The Cubs have given Hendricks the offseason to prove that he can still contribute at a high level, but with Counsell at the helm, patience will likely be limited. Should Hendricks fail to improve, the Cubs may look to trade him or simply part ways with the veteran pitcher who has meant so much to the franchise.
Craig Counsell’s Influence
The presence of Craig Counsell in this situation cannot be overstated. His managerial style, which emphasizes competition and adaptability, suggests that no player—regardless of tenure or potential—will be guaranteed a roster spot unless they can contribute to the team’s immediate goals. The ultimatum issued to Amaya, Wicks, and Hendricks is emblematic of a larger cultural shift within the organization, where past accomplishments and future potential will only carry players so far.
Counsell’s influence has already been seen in Milwaukee, where he took a small-market team to perennial playoff contention. His ability to make tough decisions and develop talent quickly will be critical as the Cubs seek to return to glory.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs’ decision to issue ultimatums to Miguel Amaya, Jordan Wicks, and Kyle Hendricks signals a new era of accountability within the organization. As the team looks to compete in 2024 and beyond, every player will be under scrutiny, and only those who perform at a high level will remain. With Craig Counsell’s leadership, the Cubs are clearly focused on building a roster that can win now, even if that means parting ways with familiar faces.
The futures of Amaya, Wicks, and Hendricks now hang in the balance. Their performances over the coming months will determine whether they continue to wear Cubs uniforms or are forced to find new opportunities elsewhere. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the Cubs are fully committed to building a competitive, winning team under their new manager.
