Ultimate Cubs Superfans Newsletter 

Hi! I planned to post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this Spring, but I got excited because I enjoy following the transaction wire. And yesterday, there was some really exciting activity going on!

The Cubs' Smart Plays: Embracing the "Cigar Butt" Strategy with David Peralta and Dominic Smith

In an off-season move that mirrors Warren Buffett's famed "cigar butt" investment strategy, the Chicago Cubs have snagged outfielder David Peralta and first baseman Dominic Smith. For those unacquainted with Buffett's approach, it's akin to finding a discarded cigar with one puff left—unappealing to many, yet capable of delivering a final, profitable smoke. Applied to baseball, it's about finding undervalued players who can still bring value to the team. Let's dive into these signings and what they signify for the Cubs.

Bringing Veteran Savvy to Wrigley Field 

David Peralta, known affectionately as "Freight Train" during his time with the Dodgers, brings more than just his left-handed bat and glove to the Cubs. His ability to unite and energize teammates was showcased through the adoption of a choo-choo hand signal to celebrate on-base moments, a gesture that quickly became a team staple, reflecting his impactful presence beyond the field. At 36, Peralta is eyeing the coveted 10-year service time pension, currently at 9.120 years. Despite what might seem like slim odds to make the Cubs roster, his potential to inspire and elevate team spirit embodies the essence of a valuable "cigar butt" find.

Peralta's veteran savvy extends into fostering a positive team dynamic and morale, qualities lauded by his previous manager, Dave Roberts, who praised his passion, energy, and selflessness on the field. As Peralta joins the Cubs, his history of enhancing team culture and performance through genuine enthusiasm and strategic influence promises to be an invaluable asset. His ability to galvanize the team, making every moment an opportunity to "get on board" with the collective mission for success, is precisely the kind of leadership that could steer the Cubs toward a triumphant season or at least a good presence in Arizona this spring.

Dominic Smith: A Quest for Redemption 

Dominic Smith, once a first-round pick alongside Kris Bryant in 2013, has experienced fluctuating fortunes. His OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), a statistic combining a player's ability to reach base with their hitting power, highlights his journey. From a commendable .278 batting average and .863 OPS from 2018 to 2020, to a more modest .243 and .666 in subsequent years—below the league average OPS of .734—it's clear Smith seeks a turnaround. Dubbed "Sloth Bear," Smith's potential resurgence with the Cubs offers a storyline filled with hope and the possibility of a high-reward outcome.

In Summary 

The Cubs' off-season strategy, reflective of a keen eye for value and potential, underscores a broader philosophy of seeking out and nurturing talent that may have been underestimated elsewhere. For Peralta and Smith, Wrigley Field offers a new chapter, an opportunity to prove that even a "cigar butt" can still deliver a satisfying experience.

Super Fan Mark, Editor