Chicago Cubs: Previewing the 2017 National League Central

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MLB: World Series-Parade
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Chicago Cubs

Key losses: Aroldis Chapman, Dexter Fowler, Jason Hammel, David Ross, Jorge Soler

Key additions: Wade Davis, Koji Uehara, Jon Jay

The defending World Series Champions, the Cubs return nearly everybody from the championship team that won 103 games. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Addison Russell will all have another year of experience under their belt, along with a healthy Kyle Schwarber, barring another horrific injury like he experienced early in the season last year.

Pitching

The Cubs will have to replace the top of the order catalyst Dexter Fowler and need to find a fifth starter in the rotation. Mike Montgomery is slotted in that spot right now, but don’t be surprised if the Cubs explore options for another starting pitcher, in free agency or trades.

The back-end of the bullpen shouldn’t miss a beat, adding Wade Davis to replace the departed Aroldis Chapman. Koji Uehara should also add some help in the bullpen, to go along with mainstays Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon.