The Chicago Cubs, rebuilding in the second half of the 2021 campaign, entered 2022 with intentions to compete.
They had a flawed roster and ended up with a disappointing 74-88 record, though.
They went to work during the offseason, and this time they look like a team that can legitimately fight for a spot in the postseason.
Their lineup is much, much better than what they had at any point last season.
Look at this unit:
Here is how the Chicago Cubs are looking heading into the 2023 season 🐻⚾️ pic.twitter.com/lOHmjmPyyN
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 4, 2023
They lost catcher Willson Contreras to free agency, but added shortstop Dansby Swanson (capable of hitting 25 home runs per season) and rebound candidates Eric Hosmer and Cody Bellinger.
If they can experience even a mild rebound – particularly Bellinger – the Cubs would benefit greatly.
Ian Happ and Patrick Wisdom are excellent sources of power, and big things are expected from Seiya Suzuki in his sophomore season.
Nico Hoerner developed into a nice middle infield asset, and Morel and Mervis are both very promising.
This is a unit that will need several “ifs” to become certainties, but make no mistake: the potential is there, and if the organization can help get the best out of every element of the lineup, the postseason could be a realistic dream.
Additionally, the Cubs will need the rotation to hold up.
They don’t have a true ace, but Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, and Justin Steele are all good mid-rotation starters.
Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly are more backend options, but remain solid nonetheless.
The playoffs are definitely not a lock, but Cubs fans are allowed to dream once again.
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