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.

Dansby Swanson’s debut in Chicago went as advertised, even if it did leave a little to be desired at the end.

When Swanson was introduced to the Chicago media and Cubs fanbase upon signing, he spoke freely of winning, showcasing his primary goal.

The Cubs did win, finishing the season with a record over .500 for the first time since the shortened 2020 campaign. But they ultimately fell one win short of the playoffs and for that, Swanson shouldered some of the blame.

“It’s very unfortunate that things didn’t go the way at the end like we wanted it to and expected it to,” Swanson said after the Cubs’ final 2023 game. “That one’s a little bit of a tough one to swallow. Especially just not performing up to standards when it mattered the most.

“I think that’s probably what eats away at me the most of stepping up in big moments when it’s needed. That’s what I’ve always been and that’s an important part of who I am. It just didn’t happen, which is the frustrating part.”

The Cubs faded down the stretch last year, going 7-15 in the season’s final three weeks.

Swanson finished the season in a slump, hitting .161 with a .558 OPS over the team’s final 15 games.

Still, the season as a whole was exactly what the Cubs were looking for from Swanson when they inked him to a 7-year, $177 million contract.

He won his 2nd straight Gold Glove and was named to the All-Star team. He led all MLB shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved (18) and finished 18th among all position players with 4.9 WAR.

Despite the late-season slump, Swanson’s overall offensive numbers were in line with the previous couple of seasons in Atlanta: 22 homers, 80 RBI, 81 runs, .744 OPS, 99 OPS+.

The Cubs would certainly take that again but there is reason to believe Swanson has another level offensively, as evidenced by his final season with the Braves. In 2022, he was 14% better than league average with his bat (114 OPS+), crushed 25 homers, stole 18 bases, drove in 96 runs and scored 99 to go along with a .277/.329/.447 slash line (.776 OPS).

There’s also the health and off-field hurdles.

Swanson’s wife, Mallory, is a forward on the U.S. Women’s National Team and suffered a devastating knee injury early in the spring. Swanson himself missed time with a heel injury, forcing an IL stint. He had previously missed only 1 game between 2020-22 with the Braves.

As he reflected on last year, Swanson acknowledged it was difficult for him to adjust to the new place and new organization at times.

But 2024 represents Year 2 for him in Chicago. There is more comfort, more stability and the city is certainly hoping for better health for both Swansons (Mallory also plays for the Chicago Red Stars).

Regardless of what type of numbers he puts up on the field, Swanson’s intangibles help lead the Cubs in the right direction.

It didn’t take long for new manager Craig Counsell to see just how valuable a player like Swanson is.

“Dansby carries himself with great confidence,” Counsell said. “That’s a form of leadership because other players see that and they see how you react to things. Just seeing him now for a couple weeks, it’s impressive watching him pick up a ground ball. I know he won the Gold Glove and everything so I knew he was good and now I’m watching it and I’m like, ‘oh my god, could you make it look any easier?’

“It’s really impressive. It’s fun to watch. That confidence — that’s leadership.”

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?