Chicago Cubs: Staff predictions for the 2016 season

Ryan Tadych – Staff Writer

The 2016 Chicago Cubs season will be one for the ages.  The Cubs won 97 games and got to the National League Championship Series last year. On paper, they got better during the offseason with the additions with Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, and John Lackey. So, it’s easy to see how the Cubs could win 100 games this year. But winning 100 games is never easy, especially in a division where you have the Cardinals and Pirates. The pieces are in place for the Cubs to have sustained success and it’s all going to begin this year. The Cubs will win 100 games for the first time since 1935, finishing right on the century mark. It won’t be easy but Cubs have the right mix of players to reach the promised land.

It’s going to be a great postseason in 2016. The Royals and Blue Jays are going to have strong teams once again, and will be tough to get past in the AL, but three straight World Series appearances won’t be easy for the Royals and it might finally be the Astros year. On the NL side, it will be a lot of familiar faces but the Nationals will break out despite having Dusty Baker as their manager. It will be a tough road for both, but the Cubs will surge through the playoffs, on their way to their first World Series appearance since 1945. A battle of two historically bad teams in the World Series would be fantastic for the MLB…and the Cubs time will finally arrive.

NL Central Standings

1. Cubs (100-62)
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Reds
5. Brewers

Nicholas Blazek – Co-Editor

Closing out our picks, I too believe the Cubs have filled the holes they had and can power through to a World Series championship. The Cubs got something special out of Jake Arrieta last season, and the good news is I don’t believe it will take a season like that, or Kris Bryant’s  Rookie of the Year season to get back to it. With the additions they made, they filled in “weak spots”. They have more depth on the roster and even in the minors with veterans like Shane Victorino for an October push.

It’s not just that the team has the talent, but Joe Maddon has sold them on being winners. They believe they can win it, and Maddon expects nothing less out of them. No more sneaking up on teams. The target is on their back this year. But that’s okay. Embrace the target. Do simple better. Let’s make 2016 a year Cubs’ fans won’t forget.

NL Central Standings

1. Cubs (103-59)
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Reds
5. Brewers

Next: Award winners and playoff picks