The Cubs face offseason decisions on whether to bring back Matthew Boyd and Carson Kelly for 2027, despite both being productive over the past two seasons. The discussion also examines Michael Busch’s uneven 2026 and what his performance says about his long-term outlook.

By the Numbers
  • Boyd and Kelly have been productive for the Cubs over the past 2 seasons.
  • Busch posted a .395 slugging percentage in 2026.
Yes, But

Boyd and Kelly’s recent contributions make a case for retaining them, but the Cubs must weigh that value against their roster and financial priorities. Busch’s 2026 dip also complicates the picture after his strong 2025 arrival.

Bottom Line

The Cubs’ offseason choices hinge on distinguishing dependable recent production from the best long-term fit—and deciding which version of Busch they believe is most likely to return.