MESA, Ariz. — Have the Cubs really improved from their 2023 team that finished 1 game back of a playoff spot?

It’s a major question entering Spring Training for the Cubs.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs brass stressed the importance and value of internal players taking the next step in development as a way the team can improve from last season.

“I do think that we have a lot of young players and some young veteran players that I think have a chance to take real steps forward,” Hoyer said in his opening presser.

Count Nico Hoerner as one of the prime examples.

Last year was a major step in his development. He has evolved into a true everyday player, appearing in 150 games, amassing 688 plate appearances and turning into a Gold Glover at second base. The games and plate appearances were both career highs and quelled any notion that he was not durable — a question mark after injuries saw him miss time in 2021 and 2022.

“Yeah, I mean a big part of last year and every year is just being on the field a lot,” Hoerner said. “Was proud of just how much baseball I was able to play last year and able to maintain energy throughout an entire season. Never gonna take that for granted, so keep prioritizing that.”

For Hoerner to take that next step, he’s looking to add a bit more pop into his game. He’s never been — nor ever will be — a big-time slugger; he has 22 career home runs in 397 games and had 9 last season. But he feels that if he can tack on a bit more power that would improve his game and in turn boost the Cubs as a whole.

“Your physical strength is a good place to start,” a slightly bulkier Hoerner said. “I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot with that coming out of the offseason and then being able to own your own strengths as a hitter a little bit more.

“With that, [the] approach is probably gonna be the biggest factor for me within getting to my power in-games … So really focusing on what works at game speed and like I said, continuing to develop with a relationship with the [coaches] in the cage that know what makes me tick and let that play over 600, 700 plate appearances.”

That commitment to trying to improve could brush up on other, younger players, too.

“There’s still areas he can improve on, for sure, and I know he wants to, but you throw all that together with just a demeanor that feels a little unflappable and it means players start looking to you and wanting to understand and following you and watching you a little more, right?” manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s earned it. He’s played at a really high level.”

Rule changes

MLB plans to enforce the obstruction rule around bases in 2024, according to ESPN. The move is being done to protect players — the most common example happens on stolen base attempts when a fielder blocks the base.

“It’s a tough rule on umpires, cause that’s a very fast-moving play,” Counsell said. “I think the place where we’re gonna have the problems with is the throw that’s not on the money and the player’s forced to be a little athletic to make the catch.

“Overall, if it prevents just the pure dropping of a knee in front of second base intentionally — nobody’s gonna admit to it being intentionally — but if it prevents that, it’s a good rule.”

New ‘do

Pete Crow-Armstrong strolled through the Cubs clubhouse Friday morning with a unique look. He was wearing a hoodie only by the hood, the rest draped behind him almost like a cape. Crow-Armstrong was clearly covering his head.

He was waiting for the right moment to share his new look.

During workouts, he unveiled a brand-new look — blue-dyed hair.  

PCA with the blue hair 👀 pic.twitter.com/iqd2l4f1sH

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 16, 2024