Chicago Cubs: Five predictions for the 2017 season

Cubs tally two 20-game winners in 2017

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

With this Cubs team and the talented rotation, for the Cubs have this isn’t a stretch. They posted four pitchers with 15 or more wins last year, and two within range of that 20-win season. This speaks more to the health of the Cubs staff than anything else. Last season, John Lackey was the only pitcher not to start less than 30 games (29 GS). So believing that two of these starters could reach 20 wins is feasible.

Jon Lester came up short in his bid, losing his final start of the season to keep him from that elusive 20th win. It was his second time winning 19 games in his career. Jake Arrieta won 22 last season, but had a “down” year in 2016 winning only 18. Yes, you read that right. Arrieta was no longer untouchable—yet he still won 18 games. These two look to be the obvious candidates, but there is, of course, one more that could press for 20 wins.

Entering the second half, I predicted Kyle Hendricks would be the most consistent of the Cubs starters in the second half. I must admit, I did say he wasn’t going to win the Cy Young, but he came much closer to that than I could have imagined. If Hendricks continues his progression this season, it’s unlikely–BUT possible–the Cubs could get three 20-game winners in 2017.