Cubs Return to the Playoffs: 3 Reasons Why They Will & Won’t
Grant White
Host · Writer
Won't: There Are Too Many Teams Ahead of Them in the Standings
With ten teams vying for three wild card spots, Chicago faces a seemingly insurmountable climb in the NL standings. They'll need at least a few teams ahead of them in the standings to falter if they hope to reach the postseason summit.
As it stands, there are five teams outside of the playoffs with better records than the Cubs. And that's not including the three teams currently occupying a postseason berth. Chicago needs the right combination of wins and losses from teams ahead of them to make the final climb.
Sadly, the Cubs probably need too much help to have a shot at playing baseball in October.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Will: The Cubs Offense is Heating Up
Three and a half games back of the final wild-card berth, the Chicago Cubs have some ground to make up in the latter half of the 2024 MLB season. Thankfully, their offense is heating up at the right time, which could facilitate their ascent to a playoff spot.
Over the past two weeks, Chicago's OPS has climbed to a staggering .807, significantly above their season-long benchmark of .695. Naturally, that's precipitated improved run production, with the Cubs scoring 5.1 runs per game across their more recent sample. They lead the majors in hits over that stretch, including 38 of the extra-base variety, cementing themselves as playoff contenders.
Won't: But the Cubs are Still Too Streaky
Still, the Cubs have been unable to sustain their top form for extended periods, which could be their ultimate undoing in the ultra-tight NL playoff race.
As noted, Chicago doesn't have solid offensive footing. Their lackluster OPS since the start of the season, as do their runs scored, home runs, and strikeouts, puts them in the bottom half of the MLB.
We've seen the Cubs offense flourish at times, but unless they demonstrate that with more consistency, they're doomed to miss the postseason for the fourth straight season.
Will: Their Underappreciated Pitching Staff
Looking past some offensive shortcomings reveals a team with one of the best pitching staffs in the bigs. If Chicago can extract maximum value for the rest of the season, their pitchers could march them into October.
The Cubs are getting it done with every part of their staff. Led by Shota Imanaga, Chicago's starting rotation has been one of the most underappreciated staffs this season. Imanaga is one of four starting pitchers with an ERA below 3.27, resulting in a collective starters' ERA of 3.67.
His record might not reflect it, but Justin Steele was a show-stopper in the first half. Likewise, Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon have been pleasant surprises. If Kyle Hendricks can round into form, the Cubs won't need their offense at peak efficiency to win games.
Won't: Chicago Can't Win on the Road
One of Chicago's most pronounced shortcomings has been its inability to win on the road. Those losses could haunt the Cubs, keeping them out of the playoffs as the season progresses.
As of the All-Star break, Chicago had the third-most road losses in the National League. Their 22-30 record highlighted their inability to capitalize outside their friendly confines, putting them at a significant disadvantage in the playoff race.
Cubs Manager Craig Counsell needs to better prepare his squad for road games. Otherwise, he'll have some explaining to do at year-end press conferences.
Will: Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, & Ian Happ
Much of the Cubs' offseason banter revolved around Cody Bellinger returning to the lineup. Still, at the halfway point, a trio of other batters have elevated this team into playoff contention.
Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ have been the Cubs' holy trinity. All three players have recorded at least 12 home runs already this season, with no one featuring an OPS below .810. Predictably, those solid numbers correlate with top-end run production, with the trio accounting for 139 runs and 138 RBI.
Maximizing their output over the second half of the season could all but guarantee the Cubs a playoff spot.
Won't: There Are Too Many Teams Ahead of Them in the Standings
With ten teams vying for three wild card spots, Chicago faces a seemingly insurmountable climb in the NL standings. They'll need at least a few teams ahead of them in the standings to falter if they hope to reach the postseason summit.
As it stands, there are five teams outside of the playoffs with better records than the Cubs. And that's not including the three teams currently occupying a postseason berth. Chicago needs the right combination of wins and losses from teams ahead of them to make the final climb.
Sadly, the Cubs probably need too much help to have a shot at playing baseball in October.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Will: The Cubs Offense is Heating Up
Three and a half games back of the final wild-card berth, the Chicago Cubs have some ground to make up in the latter half of the 2024 MLB season. Thankfully, their offense is heating up at the right time, which could facilitate their ascent to a playoff spot.
Over the past two weeks, Chicago's OPS has climbed to a staggering .807, significantly above their season-long benchmark of .695. Naturally, that's precipitated improved run production, with the Cubs scoring 5.1 runs per game across their more recent sample. They lead the majors in hits over that stretch, including 38 of the extra-base variety, cementing themselves as playoff contenders.
