1 reason the Cubs should be optimistic for the MLB playoffs, 1 area of concern, and 1 unknown

The Chicago Cubs are positioned to make the playoffs. Short of a collapse that would top the downfall of the 2023 team during the final month of the regular season, the Cubs will be playing games into October.

That shouldn't come as a surprise. This is a Cubs team that aggressively pursued upgrades last offseason with the signing of Alex Bregman and trade for Edward Cabrera. This is a Cubs team that was among the most active teams at the trade deadline. Lastly, this is a Cubs team that has the National League MVP favorite in Pete Crow-Armstrong.

1 reason the Cubs should be optimistic for the MLB playoffs

While it may not be the same position that the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers will have, the Cubs are approaching this October with the very thing they lacked last summer, offensive consistency.

The Cubs have one of the best offenses in baseball thanks to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman

Pitching was the focus for the Cubs at the trade deadline and if they have a deep run in the playoffs, it likely will be tied to the success their staff. That said, the element to the Cubs' success this season that has been different from last year is the consistency of their offense.

The Cubs' offense not only has the highest wRC+ in baseball for the entire season, but also for the second-half. Yes, Crow-Armstrong is a large reason, but Alex Bregman finding himself since the All-Star break has reshaped the outlook of the starting lineup as they march toward the playoffs.

Bregman is slashing .296/.369/.570 since the break with a wRC+ of 158. Couple that with Seiya Suzuki topping his power output from last year, and the Cubs should be viewed as an offensive threat in the playoffs.

1 area of concern the Cubs should be aware of before the MLB playoffs

There's no doubt that the Cubs' pitching staff is improved based on what it looked liked before the trade deadline, but there's a question or two that could lead to a concern.

Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga recent struggles adds some concern to rotation plans

The Cubs' starting rotation for the playoffs likely won't be determined until the final week of the regular season, but the recent struggles of Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have added some paic to the topic.

Over his last four starts, Boyd has an ERA of 6.12. It's not a matter of Boyd being unlucky during that stretch, he's been bad, considering his FIP sits at 6.12. Meanwhile, Imanaga's velocity has been in three of his last four starts, and Craig Counsell had a short leash for him on Sunday.

The Cubs will need one of Boyd or Imanaga to be part of the rotation and finding success in October if their playoff run is going to be sustainable.

1 unknown for the Cubs ahead of the MLB playoffs

There is one specific thing the Cubs won't know about their playoff roster, and the difference has been on display over the past couple of weeks.

Dansby Swanson's status for the playoffs will be a key storyline for the Cubs

Dansby Swanson was the difference maker for the Cubs during their Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres last October. It was a reminder of the importance of defense during the playoffs, and that unknown is facing the Cubs this summer.

Swanson is recovering from an oblique strain, and expected to miss between four-to-six weeks. The timeline places Swanson's return right around the start of the playoffs, but until he resumes baseball activity, it should be considered a loose estimate.

When thing that has immediately been proven in Swanson's absence is the difference between a good defensive shortstop and a great defensive shortstop. Nico Hoerner is a good defensive shortstop but if the Cubs are hoping their run prevention could once again make a difference in October, they will need the great defensive shortstop in Swanson.

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