With the GM meetings underway in San Antonio, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss their big story for The Athletic on the behind-the-scenes changes happening at Wrigley Field.

Cubs executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins have drastically reduced their pro scouting department and leaned heavily into analytics, relying on a model system to construct the roster. Why are the Cubs going in this direction? How does this compare to the rest of the industry? What does it mean for trades and free agents this winter?

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Craig Counsell is adding a coach from his old Milwaukee staff as the Cubs try to get better on the margins.

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic explain why the Cubs are hiring Quintin Berry away from the Brewers. With mixed signals on Cody Bellinger’s opt-out decision, the Cubs’ offseason plans will immediately take shape at the upcoming GM meetings.

Plus a rundown on the club’s arbitration/non-tender decisions and where Chicago fits in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

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Chicago Tribune reporter Meghan Montemurro joins Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic to preview the event that is a starting point for baseball’s offseason.

Montemurro explains what Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts is thinking and why President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has to deliver a playoff team next year.

The group also looks back on the stunning Craig Counsell hire during last year’s GM meetings and wonders where the team’s next star is coming from.

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