The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a promising 2025 season following a transformative offseason. After missing the postseason for two consecutive years despite solid records, the Cubs made significant moves to enhance their roster. The acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros brings elite talent to the outfield, while Ryan Pressly’s addition aims to solidify a previously shaky bullpen. Chicago's interest in Alex Bregman showcases a continued commitment to improvement.

Moreover, the Cubs are looking to bolster their pitching rotation, with Jordan Montgomery emerging as a potential target. After a rough season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he posted a 6.23 ERA, Montgomery rebounded well with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, finishing the 2024 season with a 3.20 ERA and playing a crucial role in the Rangers' World Series victory. The Cubs see acquiring Montgomery as a low-risk, high-reward strategy to deepen their rotation and prepare for potential postseason play.

The Houston Astros, a franchise now buoyed by two World Series championships, are facing a significant roster upheaval. Following the offseason, key players like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker have departed for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, respectively, creating a noticeable gap in the lineup. Bregman's absence will be particularly felt, as he and Tucker contributed an impressive 8.8 bWAR in 2024. The loss of Justin Verlander to the San Francisco Giants marks yet another blow, although his declining performance over the past season indicates that he was more of a veteran presence than a frontline ace.

Fortunately, the Astros have made strategic moves to counter these losses. They've acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes, who boasts a combined 6.9 bWAR over the last two seasons, and first baseman Christian Walker, who hit 95 home runs in the last three years. The team is hopeful that Chas McCormick can seamlessly transition from right field into Tucker's former role. The Astros continue to exhibit resilience, now leaning on a younger core that could redefine their competitive edge.

The Houston Astros are entering spring training with a roster largely set after significant offseason moves, including trading Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly to the Cubs, while acquiring Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes. General manager Dana Brown has indicated the team is primarily focused on pitching, though the potential to re-sign free agent Alex Bregman remains a topic of internal discussion. Additionally, the Astros aim to bolster their outfield with a left-handed bat, potentially looking towards Ben Gamel as a cost-effective solution.

With questions lingering about outfield production following Tucker’s departure, the team has started experimenting with José Altuve in left field. Brown noted that while Altuve's transition is in early stages, his performance will be closely monitored throughout camp. The Astros face injury concerns with Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, but they remain optimistic about their pitching depth as the season approaches.

The Houston Astros enter spring training with high expectations despite significant offseason changes. The loss of stars like Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander creates openings, particularly in the corner infield, which Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes will look to fill. The team faces several pressing questions, starting with whether José Altuve will transition to left field, a move that could provide lineup flexibility as he ages. Manager Joe Espada is keen to assess Altuve's adaptability during workouts.

Additionally, the bullpen remains uncertain following the trade of Ryan Pressly, leading to competition among candidates like Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu. The Astros hope the return of Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia bolsters their rotation, but both are recovering from injuries.

With a talented farm system, prospects could challenge for roster spots, especially given the team's injury history last season. The possibility of further moves looms, especially concerning Alex Bregman, who remains a free agent. These dynamics will shape Houston's quest to extend their playoff streak.