The Chicago Cubs are facing a significant challenge as they navigate the absence of one of their key offseason signings, Tyler Austin. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has confirmed that Austin will be sidelined for "months" following surgery on his right knee's patellar tendon.
Austin, at 34, joined the Cubs on a one-year deal after a successful six-year run with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. His Major League journey began in 2016 with the New York Yankees, and he has since played with the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his MLB career, Austin has posted a .219/.292/.451 slash line, with 33 home runs and a .743 OPS across 583 plate appearances.
Impact on the Cubs' Roster
Austin's absence leaves a gap in the Cubs' lineup, particularly as he was expected to provide valuable bench depth after hitting 85 homers in NPB. With no clear backup for first baseman Michael Busch, the Cubs are looking at 22-year-old Moises Ballesteros as a promising option to step up. Additionally, outfielder Michael Conforto, a recent minor league signee, is in the mix to fill Austin's roster spot.
The Cubs will need to rely on their depth and adaptability as they adjust to this unexpected development, hoping that their young talent can rise to the occasion.