by Dylan Gantz
The Chicago Cubs have plenty of upside and hope heading into the season with newly acquired superstar Kyle Tucker and bullpen additions like Ryan Braiser and Ryan Pressly. After an above average 2023 and 2024, this year could be the year where we see the Cubs win a playoff game and series for the first time since 2017. However, there are still plenty of uncertainties heading into the season, such as who’ll start at third base and who’ll be the 5th pitcher in the starting rotation.
I think the Cubs will have a good year and finally have the slugging they’ve desperately needed. They’ll end the season 92-70, winning the NL Central and making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They’ll win in the wild card series to move onto the NLDS before falling to the San Diego Padres in 5 games. I think this is the most likely outcome because this year, they have more stability in their lineup with Kyle Tucker, as well as in their bullpen with Braiser and Pressly. Overall, I predict a good year that will show some progress in the organization.
The Tokyo Series kicked off the regular season for both the Cubs and Dodgers, and it gave us answers to some of our questions, and more. In the series, Matt Shaw and Jon Berti started in the infield due to the injury to Nico Hoerner and the uncertainty of the third base starter. Both shined in the 2nd game of the series.
The hitting in spring, although not the greatest, has shown signs of life. Kyle Tucker is supposed to take the reins of this offense but struggled in spring training. That doesn’t concern me, though, because of his power and his ability to bounce back from these situations. Gage Workman was impressive during in camp as a rule 5 draft pick that could very well make the roster. He hit .364 with a 1.125 OPS and 4 home runs in 44 at-bats. Overall, the offense had some bright spots, and it could be a very good year in that regard.
The pitching, on the other hand, could be somewhat of an issue. The unreliable bullpen received some much needed veteran expertise after Hector Neris’ release in the off-season. Ryan Pressley and Ryan Braiser should both get opportunities to pitch late into games as well as teach the young players such as Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge how to deal with pressure situations like a save opportunity. The rotation is mostly the same, outside of subtracting Kyle Hendricks and adding Matthew Boyd, who had an incredible September and October for the Guardians in 2024. Overall, pitching will be a positive assuming the bullpen can stay consistent.
The Cubs are in a pretty good spot and should make a run for the playoffs this year, however I don’t think a World Series appearance will be the cards. That would show signs of life, but they’d need to sign Kyle Tucker to long term deal to get there in 2026.
