Looking at the Cubs end of season summary by BleedCubbieBlue.com, I think the last list that compares the top ten players from the 2023 season to the 2024 season shows the best explanation for why the Cubs did not the playoffs. All of the Cubs best 2023 players regressed in 2024, and in the case of Cody Bellinger, the regression was dramatic. Last off season we did want Bellinger to leave, but I think this off season if Bellinger does leave the impact will not be as big.