2 things we know about the Cubs after the trade deadline, 1 we will know by October

The immediate impression of the Chicago Cubs following the trade deadline is that the door to overtaking the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central hasn't been closed, and facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in October may not be the daunting task it once appeared to be.

With the aggressive approach that the front office had at the deadline, expectations have been reset. The Cubs are expected to make a deep postseason run in October, and their success will likely be tied to two things we already know about the team.

2 things we know about the Cubs after the trade deadline

The Cubs enter play on Tuesday with a record of 69-50. Despite the injuries and 10-game losing streak in the middle of the first half, we know the Cubs are a good team. That isn't the only thing we know.

The Cubs' offense is one of the best in baseball

As long as the Cubs have Pete Crow-Armstrong doing Pete Crow-Armstrong things, their offense is going to be strong. That said, since the All-Star break, the Cubs have one of the best offenses in all of baseball.

Across the entire season, the Cubs are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for highest team wRC+ in baseball with 111. Things can certainly changed in October, but last week proved the Cubs have the offense to keep up with the Dodgers.

We know that the Cubs' offense is good. The reason why the Cubs' offense may not be great is that they can collectively be a streaky bunch. If multiple players are slumping at the same time, that could be a problem for the Cubs. Of course, that is where Crow-Armstrong's emergence as a superstar could mask that problem.

The Cubs have a clear postseason rotation

Heading into the trade deadline, the goal was for the Cubs to add a starting pitcher capable of making a postseason start. As it turns out, the Cubs added two. Injuries could certainly throw a wrench into potential plans, but for now, we know the Cubs have a postseason rotation.

The exact order will vary depending on who you asked, but chances are the rotation in October looks like this:

1. Matthew Boyd
2. Kevin Gausman
3. Clay Holmes
4. Shota Imanaga

If you ask me, the biggest question mark is Shota Imanaga. Imanaga has looked great, 1.57 ERA over his last six starts, but it's hard to forget last summer's regression. If they return, Edward Cabrera may slide into the rotation. If not, Cabrera could be an effective option out of the bullpen.

1 thing we will need to know about the Cubs by October

The biggest question surrounding the Cubs between now and the end of the regular season is who among the injured pitchers expected to return could be potential options in the bullpen during the postseason.

How will the bullpen take shape by October?

The bullpen remains an incomplete project for the Cubs. Jacob Webb certainly has cemented his status as a high-leverage option in the bullpen, and Ryan Zeferjahn is likely right there with him. After that, things look murky. If healthy, Daniel Palencia, too. That is where the knowns end.

Caleb Thielbar was a trusted option last October, but his recent struggles make him a clear DFA candidate once pitchers start returning. Trent Thornton has been used in high-leverage situations this season, but his 4.90 FIP is a warning that can't be ignored.

The Cubs need other option to emerge from the group of Ben Brown, Justin Steele, Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, and Shelby Miller. Ideally, the Cubs have two options pop from that group. If so, that would be a massive development for how strong the bullpen could be in October.

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