The Chicago Cubs believe they can compete for a playoff spot next season.

"Overall, for the organization, I think 2015 will be a little bit different than the previous three seasons in that we now think we have the talent to compete," Theo Epstein. "And any time you have enough talent to compete you want to set your sights high.

"We proved we can be very competitive within this division and when you have a chance to compete you should set your sights high and that means our goal is the National League Central title next year."

Chicago finished 73-89 in 2014, ahead of just two teams in the NL.

"We're going to be competing while we develop young talent," Epstein said. "It isn't easy but it's exciting, very exciting."