Chicago Cubs: Our staff makes their predictions for the 2017 campaign

Mar 19, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) returns to the dugout after the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Some say ‘yes’ – some say ‘no’

In 2015, the Chicago Cubs featured the National League Cy Young Award winner in Jake Arrieta and the Manager of the Year in Joe Maddon. Last season, Kris Bryant won the National League MVP award, and several Cubs’ pitchers earned Cy Young votes, although none won the honor.

Coming off a title, are more big performances in store for Maddon’s club?

Question: Will the Cubs feature any major award winners in 2017?

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Corey Francis: Cy Young – Jon Lester; MVP – Anthony Rizzo; Rookie of the Year: Albert Almora, Jr. ; Gold Gloves: Rizzo, Contreras, Russell, Heyward, Arrieta

Okay, that’s being generous. I mean, I’d be okay with it. Winning the MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year all in the same season? Sign me up. I suppose that’s one way to follow up breaking a 108-year curse.

Daniel Shepard: Jon Lester will be in the running for the Cy Young again. I don’t think Kyle Hendricks does as well in 2017. Kris Bryant will be in the MVP mix once again and should get it if he hits 40+ homers.

David Miniel: National League MVP goes to Kris Bryant. As far as Cy Young is concerned, it’s going to be hard for a starter to outpitch a healthy Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw could end up winning it by a landslide depending on how his back holds up. Don’t get me wrong, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks are going to do great but Clayton is the best pitcher in the entire league when he’s 100 percent. Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo, and Jason Heyward each win a Gold Glove.

If any player is poised to win more hardware, it’s hard disputing Bryant’s claim. The kid has racked up awards at every single level and says he expects to be even better in 2017. That’s saying a lot for a guy who helped break the longest title drought in American sports in just his first full big league season.

Some say ‘yes’ – some say ‘no’

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