Six reasons to be optimistic about Cubs making the playoffs |
Brighter days may be ahead for the Chicago Cubs.
Not that I am not saying the Cubs or their fans will be on ring watch this season — but there is some potential to be banner hunting, especially in such a weak division as the NL Central. The domino effect may start with veteran Kyle Hendricks, but there are a few other avenues to this team looking very complete by the end of June. If these six things happen, it would not shock me to see the Cubs in the playoffs:
It is no secret that the Cubs offense has peaked this season while Bellinger has been in the lineup. The Cubs are 11-17 without Bellinger, but he has been solid in the lineup. His resurgent season has greatly boosted an offense that has faced its struggles. However, since Bellinger has been out of the lineup, Mike Tauchman has done an excellent job. Between flashing the leather defensively and providing a solid at-bat offensively, Tauchman has done enough to be considered a permanent roster piece. Tauchman has an on-base percentage near .400 and has also picked up some clutch hits. Once Bellinger is fully healthy and can play outfield, I would love for Tauchman to stay as opposed to carrying a third catcher or players like Edwin Rios or Miles Mastrobuoni.
If the coming out party wasn’t last year, Justin Steele has officially emerged as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher thus far in 2023. Steele’s post-all-star game stats last season were better than both Cy Young award winners, and he has carried that over into 2023 with a 7-2 record and an ERA of 2.71. The Cubs have a very legitimate 1-2-3-4 in the rotation between Steele, Marcus Stroman, the aforementioned Kyle Hendricks, and Drew Smyly.
The Craig Kimbrel trade with the White Sox in 2021 has emerged as a lose-lose for both teams thus far — but Heuer is the swing piece that could make the trade a slam dunk for the Cubs. Heuer was electric for the Sox in 2020, was traded to the Cubs in 2021, and was solid — but has not pitched in over a season and a half. He’s got great stuff, and many expect him to be a closer someday — but you can never get too antsy on a pitcher returning from Tommy John. However, Heuer has looked good in his rehab outings thus far, and if the Cubs can get some remnants of a closer out of Heuer this year and become more dominant in the future, that certainly fills a hole the Cubs have been looking to fix and finally allows the bullpen to have some sliver of depth.
Speaking of depth in the bullpen, Brad Boxberger has been on the injured list since May 13th. Except for two subpar outings, one almost certainly attributed to his injury, Boxberger has been as good as anybody getting outs in the Cubs bullpen. Since his injury, it has been on display just how poorly constructed the Cubs bullpen is and how many games it has cost the Cubs. Boxberger should return soon, especially if they could pair that return with Heuer’s. The pen *could* look formidable.
For the beginning part of the season, the Cubs probably had the best 1-2 punch in the sport, with Hoerner and Swanson leading the way. Both hitters were so locked in that you could almost guarantee one would contribute to runs being scored that day. However, more challenging times have fallen upon the Cubs’ double-play duo. However, since May began, Hoerner has been hitting .215 and Swanson .233 — plus a woeful .189 in June. We’ve seen these guys' potential, and we’ve seen them excel in the past in the summer months. Nico and Dansby breaking out of their collective slumps could go a long way to digging the Cubs out of the bottom of the division.
There’s no secret that Morel and Amaya have significantly boosted this lineup, but they’ve also faced their fair share of struggles. However, Morel has adjusted nicely, has now hit 13 homers on the season, and is batting nearly .300. His power and approach at the plate have translated from Iowa and lasted through a slump. Meanwhile, Amaya is an excellent spark toward the bottom of the lineup when he is used, has gathered some high praise from Kyle Hendricks, and keeps Tucker Barnhart on the bench for longer. Both of these players being on the team and playing prominent roles could go a long way down the stretch of this season. 1. Mike Tauchman stays in Chicago
2. Justin Steele picks up where he left off before injury
3. Codi Heuer makes his season debut and becomes a back-end piece
4. Brad Boxberger comes off the injured list, adds depth to the bullpen
5. Hoerner and Swanson’s slumps end, and they return as a formidable duo in the Cubs lineup
6. Miguel Amaya and Christopher Morel remain in Chicago all season
