As the Cubs embark on a new campaign with a new manager (Craig Counsell) at the helm, we answer 24 of the most pressing questions for the 2024 season.

MESA, Ariz. — Back in January, before Cubs Convention, the Cubs hosted what they called a “Wrigley Camp” where they brought some of their top prospects to Wrigley Field.

It was done in an effort to have these players familiarize themselves with Chicago, know the park and meet important figures in the organization.

“There’s that acclimation process of it,” general manager Carter Hawkins said at Cubs Con. “But then also just the chance to have some interactions with the front office, interactions with players; they talked to Nico [Hoerner] they talked to [Ian] Happ, they talked to [manager Craig Counsell].”

It was during Counsell’s question-and-answer session that gave Hawkins some reassurance. A prospect asked the Cubs manager what he expected of him when he gets to the majors and Counsell’s answer summed up who he is.

“I expect you to be nervous,” Counsell said after a pause.

It’s such a simple answer, yet showed the understanding Counsell has of the moment — and showcases what he does best, building relationships and connecting with everyone.

“You can just see he’s in his element,” Hawkins said. “It’s like watching my kid walk through a toy store. It’s like ‘OK, yeah this is what I’m here for is to interact, to start bringing people together, start leading men.’ That part’s been really cool.”

Take a gander at any point during Cubs camp and you’ll see Counsell doing that with everyone. Early in camp, he was interacting and chatting with prospects like Kevin Alcántara and Owen Caissie. He’s been in conversation with assistant hitting coach Juan “Pipi” Cabreja. He’s poked fun at interpreters Toy Matsushita and Fredy Quevedo Jr. at points, too.

“Very direct communicator with players and with staff,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “He knows what he wants, and he knows how he sees things and he’s able to communicate it in a very succinct way which I think players can appreciate.”

During roster cuts or roster construction he’s been direct with players — this is the move that’s happening and why it’s happening and what it means for the player.

“I mean the message is essentially, today, we got a couple of pitchers ahead of him,” Counsell said of his message to reliever Daniel Palencia who was optioned late in camp. “You’re gonna pitch for the Chicago Cubs this year. It could be soon. So, it’s a disappointing day but as the Triple-A season starts, it’s important that you be locked in because it could be any day.”

As he embarks on his first campaign as manager, it’s those types of interactions and effects that the Cubs hope can unlock a new level for the team. Counsell knows what he wants to make a team successful but is open enough to new ideas and talking them out, that he’ll communicate that and help take that into effect. That can lead to more wins and an intangible effect from their new manager.

24 for ’24 series

What are the Cubs expecting from Kyle Hendricks in 2024 and beyond?
What role will Drew Smyly fill on the 2024 Cubs?
How will Jameson Taillon fare in Year 2 with Cubs?
How will Shota Imanaga handle the adjustment to MLB?
Who will DH for the Cubs?
Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
Will defense once again be the Cubs’ strength?
Can Seiya Suzuki pick up where he left off? 
What are the Cubs’ long-term plans at first base?
Have the Cubs done enough to address their left-handed hitting?
Will Justin Steele replicate his stellar 2023 season?
When will Pete Crow-Armstrong be up with the Cubs in Chicago?
Will Adbert Alzolay be Cubs’ closer again?
Who will hit leadoff?
How will Christopher Morel fare at third base?
How is the Cubs’ bullpen shaping up?
What will Year 2 look like for Dansby Swanson with Cubs?
What will the 2024 Cubs Opening Day roster look like?
How will the Cubs’ catching situation shake out?
Which Cubs prospects will we see in Chicago this season?
Who will be surprise contributors for Cubs this season?