Offseason questions for eliminated teams: What's next...

Match Overview

The 2024 MLB postseason got underway without three of the league’s most prominent franchises. The Houston Astros saw their historic run of seven consecutive ALCS appearances snapped after a 2-0 sweep by the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Series.

Meanwhile, both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs failed to qualify for the postseason entirely. Boston finished third in the competitive AL East with an 81-81 record, missing October baseball for the third straight year. The Cubs finished second in the NL Central at 83-79, ending their campaign six games out of the final National League Wild Card spot.

Key Stats & Facts

Houston Astros

• Streak Snapped: Houston failed to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2016, ending a franchise-record run of deep postseason appearances.
• Offensive Regression: The Astros scored 740 runs in 2024, ranking 10th in MLB, a drop from their 5th-place finish (827 runs) in 2023.
• Bregman’s Value: Pending free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman finished the season with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .260 batting average, leaving a massive projected vacancy at third base.

Boston Red Sox

• Strikeout Issues: Boston batters struck out 1,514 times during the regular season, representing the third-highest mark in the Major Leagues.
• Late-Game Collapses: The Red Sox bullpen registered 31 blown saves in 2024, tied for the fourth-worst mark in MLB.
• Financial Flexibility: Boston enters the offseason with approximately $62 million in luxury tax space before reaching the first penalty threshold.

Chicago Cubs

• The Bellinger Factor: Outfielder Cody Bellinger holds a $27.5 million player option for 2025 after hitting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs.
• Run Production Deficit: Chicago averaged 4.58 runs per game (12th in MLB) but struggled with runners in scoring position, hitting just .237 in those situations.
• Starting Depth: Cubs starters posted a 3.77 ERA, ranking 7th in the majors, led by Shota Imanaga’s standout 15-3 debut season.

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Player Spotlight: Alex Bregman (Houston Astros)

Bregman’s impending free agency is the defining storyline of the Astros’ offseason. The 30-year-old infielder is a two-time World Series champion and the club’s undisputed clubhouse leader. Replacing his 4.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) production will require either a franchise-record contract extension or a major trade.

Player Spotlight: Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox)

Duran was the lone bright spot in Boston’s inconsistent campaign, delivering an All-Star MVP season. The outfielder accumulated 8.7 WAR, leading the majors with 48 doubles and 14 triples while adding 21 home runs and 34 stolen bases. He established himself as the centerpiece of Boston’s future lineup.

Player Spotlight: Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs)

Bellinger’s decision to either opt out or remain in Chicago dictates the Cubs’ entire winter strategy. If he opts out, the Cubs free up significant cash to target top-tier starting pitching or a power-hitting infielder. If he stays, Chicago must build around his existing salary while trying to upgrade a quiet offense.

Standings Impact & 2025 Outlook

The failure of these three franchises reshapes their respective divisions heading into 2025. In the AL West, Houston’s vulnerability opens the door for the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers to challenge for divisional supremacy.

In the AL East, Boston remains a step behind the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, requiring aggressive rotation acquisitions to compete. In the NL Central, the Cubs must find offensive consistency to close the six-game gap on the division champion Milwaukee Brewers.