Chicago Cubs: Our staff predicts the World Series winner

Corey Francis 

This series has the potential to be one of the best we have ever witnessed. Both teams have great pitching. One team runs better, the other plays defense better. Both can hit pretty well. However, the Cubs are coming off a battle with the Dodgers that saw them struggle to compete offensively, but then come alive. After getting swept in the NLCS in 2015, the weight of the target is off their backs as they are competing and succeeding with great energy. They faced great pitching and won. If the series is tied at one game each coming back to Wrigley, I do not see it going back to Cleveland. The Chicago Cubs win this in five, with Anthony Rizzo as MVP.

Michael Niederman

The Cubs and Indians are both extremely dynamic and possess the ability to beat you in different ways. The Indians had plenty of time to scout this team. The Cubs need to expect the Tribe to be aggressive. Lester will need to be lights out in order to keep guys from taking the free base. For the Cubs, defense will still play a major factor, and their ability to make the big play could decide a game or two. I fully believe that the Cubs need to follow the horse that got them there all year. I’m picking Kris Bryant to win MVP. He was relatively quiet during the NLCS but is primed to make a large splash in route to writing the next chapter in his great career so far. Cubs win in 6 games.

Nicholas Blazek

After spending a year covering the Indians as well as the Cubs, I like to think I have an “inside advantage” to gauging this series. But we all know that means nothing. The Indians came into this season with a stellar rotation and a lot of questions on offense. Now as we enter the World Series, the staff has more questions while the offense is rolling. Before it’s all said and done, I think the tribe will test the Cubs. But with Corey Kluber rumored to start Games 1, 4 and 7? The Cubs staff and their offense will win it in five–in front of the Wrigley faithful for the most amazing party you have ever seen. And I think Addison Russell picks up the MVP. Big stage. Perfect for the kid.

David Miniel

The Chicago Cubs are going up against their toughest opponent in the postseason. Which is surprising considering how much trouble the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers gave them in the National League. But when you look at the American League you can’t help but notice what the Cleveland Indians did. They ran through the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays, earning themselves their first pennant since 1997. Boston was once picked as the favorite over the Chicago Cubs while the Blue Jays emerged as a sleeper. Toronto’s lineup is full of power — like Joe Maddon’s on the North Side. So knowing how easy the Indians handled them is a little scary, to say the least. However, I believe that the Cubbies not only have the strongest rotation but the best offense and defense to help them out along the way. Getting runner’s on and capitalizing is going to be key for both clubs but I can’t see any other outcome other than the Chicago Cubs winning it all. My heart is telling me that the 108-year drought is coming to an end very soon.