2023 Cubs season preview and predictions

The 2023 MLB season is here and the Cubs have a completely retooled roster after a busy offseason.

Before the Cubs get set to host the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field to open the campaign, we reflected on the entirety of Spring Training and looked ahead to the year in front of us.

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Taylor McGregor provide their thoughts on the upcoming Cubs season, ranging from bold predictions to projections for team MVP, Cy Young winner and more.

Martínez and Andracki also dissect all of the Cubs Opening Day roster news — which featured a pair of surprises — as well as Nico Hoerner’s reported extension.

Here is the full rundown, including the answers and predictions for each question.

• Opening Day roster decisions — 00:45
• Nico Hoerner extension news — 11:35
• Favorite Spring Training moment — 14:00

Andy: Watching Hoerner’s extension play out
Tony: The Cubs’ first-ever Cactus League no-hitter

• Spring Training takeaways — 16:35

Andy: The defense is going to be a real storyline all year
Tony: The Cubs’ pitching depth is a key for this team

• How do you see new rules impacting Cubs this year? — 20:25
• Under-the-radar players to keep an eye on this season — 22:35

Andy: Miles Mastrobuoni
Tony: Julian Merryweather

• What will be the biggest surprise of the Cubs’ season? — 25:13
• Cubs breakout player — 28:08

Andy: Hayden Wesneski
Tony: Edwin Ríos

• Who will be the Cubs’ MVP in 2023? — 30:30

Andy: Nico Hoerner
Tony: Nico Hoerner, Trey Mancini

• Who will be the Cubs’ Cy Young in 2023? — 31:25

Andy: Jameson Taillon
Tony: Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele

• What series on the Cubs 2023 schedule are you circling? — 33:40

Andy: Cubs @ Angels (June 6-8)
Tony: Cubs vs. Red Sox (July 14-16)

• Bold prediction for the 2023 Cubs season — 35:08

Andy: Cubs rotation will be Top 5 in MLB this season
Tony: Nico Hoerner starts the All-Star Game at second base for the NL team; Justin Steele earns Cy Young votes

• Bold prediction for the 2023 MLB season — 37:22

Andy: Angels make the playoffs, Mets won’t
Tony: Mike Trout has his best season yet (in leading the Angels to the playoffs)

• Taylor McGregor provides her season predictions — 40:21