It’s too early to get worked up about a team’s inactivity in the free agent market, but that doesn’t mean fans aren’t noticing other teams’ moves. To date, the Cubs haven’t done much to improve their roster. They’ve lost a coach and poached one from the Brewers.

They’ve wisely approached their bullpen shortcomings by trading for the Guardians Eli Morgan who had his most productive season in 2024. However, guessing which relievers are going to pitch effectively is like predicting ML award winners. They also acquired Matt Thaiss, who in parts of 6 ML seasons has a .208 average and 22 home runs. Wow!

Probably the biggest trade in the game so far is the one between the Reds and Royals. The teams traded college teammates Jonathan India and Brady Singer, former first round picks (2018) in what appears to benefit both teams. India has been an irritant of sorts against the Cubs. In 43 games, he’s hit .264 with 5 homers, 25 RBI and 28 runs scored. He always seems to be in the middle of something. In Singer, the Reds get a guy coming off his best season and with a team that just learned how to win-something the Reds haven’t done much of in the past decade.

While the Reds definitely have a glut of infielders, the Royals also have a nice young second baseman in Michael Massey. Either guy could slide to third base, but I always thought India belonged in Pittsburgh for no other reason than he looks the part. Not since Sean Rodriguez donned the black and gold, has a ML’er looked like a swash-buckling buccaneer.

I was lucky to spend some time around and with India for a feature back in the day and while he’s never projected as a 25-homer guy, he’s been a winner (at Florida) and has a great, get it done attitude. Maybe the Morgan acquisition is only the start for the Cubs, but I’m a little leery.