Chicago Cubs: Don’t look now, but the Cubs are peaking

When the Chicago Cubs came out of the gate on fire, it seemed like it really was their year. But a tough stretch before the All-Star break created some doubt. Now the Cubs are actually playing better after the break.

As the Chicago Cubs sent seven players to San Diego to take part in the All-Star game, things were a bit tense in Chicago. The hot streak they started with had faltered, and they were riding the wave of that first few months. Addison Russell, one of the few that seemed “least worthy” of his starting spot? He’d be the best as of late if not for Kris Bryant. This team is clicking on all cylinders and the rest of baseball should be concerned.

Prior to the break, the bullpen was the Achilles heel of this team. To an extent, it still is. But that is in part to the injuries to Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop. Losing two of your best three at the back end of the bullpen will hurt. But with Aroldis Chapman as the closer, the Cubs have mixed and matched the rest of the bullpen en route to a 28-9 record since the break. That is the extent of the “bad news”.

The good news? The Cubs appear to have multiple candidates for the Cy Young and MVP awards, and everyone in between is doing their part as well. Russell–the aforementioned All-Star–has earned that spot post break. In his last 15 games, he’s batting  .281 (16-for-57), with seven home runs and 17 RBIs. In may cases, those types of numbers could be MVP-worthy for a team like the Cubs. But not on this team.

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Bryant’s Monster Streak

Bryant has been dialed in as of late, and it doesn’t appear he plans on letting up anytime soon. In his last 18 games, he’s hit nine home runs while driving in 21. In addition, he’s raised his average from .285 to .303 by hitting .419 (31-for-74) in that span. And that included last night’s clutch hits (which has been a knock on him) with his two late home runs.

The rotation–after a stumble–has performed better than any staff in baseball. Kyle Hendricks has vaulted himself from a promising young pitcher into the Cy Young discussion. Many though Jason Hammel could or would falter in the second half, but he hasn’t. And while Jake Arrieta hasn’t been as good as he was last year, he’s still been impressive.

Joe Maddon has been pushing all the right buttons this season. From finding a place to play Javier Baez to mixing in Willson Contreras. The versatility of the team has paid off in great dividends. From Bryant and Baez to Ben Zobrist and Contreras. The ability to move guys around has played a huge role in the team’s success.

Barring any surprises, the Cubs don’t appear to be making any trades before September 1. The plan is to go into the stretch with the players they have and await the others to come off of the DL. So what you see is what you’ll get in October. And that’s not a bad thing in any way, shape or form.

Next: Can the Cubs go all the way?

I would never call the division a “lock”, even with a 14 game lead. But the Cubs seems primed to coast into October as they choose. Rest players if needed, set up the rotation as they see fit. The Cubs could be looking at one of the most insane parties in Wrigleyville they have ever seen.