Well, shoot, that took a while. The Chicago Cubs are World Series Champs. After 108 years you’d think we’d just let them enjoy this.
Nah, the parade’s over, Cubbies. Time for 2017.
As we approach the new season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 MLB teams. The Chicago Cubs are next:
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Up-and-coming player to watch
Willson Contreras made his debut with the Cubs last season and did not disappoint, hitting .282 with a .845 OPS in 252 at bats. But this season he’ll move into the full-time catching role, with veteran Miguel Montero moving into a mentoring role as a backup. Contreras is going to be an excellent pro and is a big part of the Cubs future, but he still has a lot to learn behind the plate at the major-league level. How will he handle the full-time responsibility?
Meanwhile, Javier Baez is coming off his first full-season with the Cubs and hasn’t disappointed as the franchise second-baseman (especially when it comes to his tagging skills). Look to see an even better year from the 24-year-old Puerto Rican.
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What a successful 2017 season would look like
The Cubs are going for a remarkable second World Series title in just 109 years. Even with the curse finally broken, they still have a lot of losing to make up for. So, for the Cubs it’s championship or bust. And now that they’re on top, they’ll learn what it’s like to be the team all the others want to de-throne. Chicago has been a top contender for a few seasons, and we’re not likely to see them falter now.
They lost Dexter Fowler in the centre field, but already had an embarrassment of riches in outfield that allowed the Cubs to let him walk. They lost Aroldis Chapman to free agency, but replaced him with Wade Davis.
In short, the Cubs are still stacked. They have a pretty nice blueprint for a World Series championship left over from last year. If they follow that—and aren’t cursed by another goat and decimated by a biblical-scale plague of injuries—the Cubs will be in the running for a second straight title.
Biggest remaining question
Okay, okay, they’re not perfect. The Cubs’ rotation, perhaps, provides some questions. John Lackey is 38. Jon Lester is 33. Jake Arrieta, a free agent this winter, is coming off an incredible year but has been known to implode at times. And 27-year-old Kyle Hendricks could see some regression after posting a ridiculous 2.13 ERA while allowing less than one baserunner per inning.
Then there’s the question of Contreras in a regular role behind the plate. And maybe MVP Kris Bryant gets hurt. What about Anthony Rizzo? That would hurt. Or maybe a giant asteroid hits the earth and there is no more world to play a series for. They’re still the Cubs; anything can happen.
