Chicago Cubs: How close are current Cubs to career milestones?

In light of recent historical events, we take a look at how close current Chicago Cubs’ players are to making history of their own.

The Chicago Cubs made headlines this weekend, with a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. But the wins were largely overshadowed, thanks to some impressive milestones and performances around Major League Baseball.

Any time history is made, people pay attention. Recently, players from around the league have accomplished milestones that deserve recognition. Albert Pujols‘ 600th home run, Edinson Volquez‘s no-hitter and Clayton Kershaw‘s 2,000 strike out are among the most notable.

It’s hard to say which means more to the game. Pujols emerged from the Steroid Era with an unblemished record, taking his talents west from the Cardinals some time ago. Still, it’s hard to argue with Kershaw’s body of work. He’s quickly building a resume worthy of being called one of the best hurlers our game has ever seen.

All of this got us thinking: how close are some Cubs’ players from making their own history? Here we’ll examine milestones that current players are nearing, and the chances they have at achieving more beyond that.

1,000 career strikeouts for Jake Arrieta

Arrieta is currently sitting at 978 career punchouts, which means it’s only a matter of time before he crosses the quadruple-digit threshold. Once he does he’ll be the 50th active player with 1,000 or more strikeouts, which is quite the feat considering he was a late bloomer.

ETA: He’s averaging about 6.5 strikeouts per start, so he’ll likely get No.1,000 in about four more starts.

Looking ahead: Arrieta is21 wins away from 100, so odds are he’ll reach that impressive feat at some point next year, assuming he stays healthy.

1,000 career hits for Miguel Montero

Even in a limited role, Montero is proving to be valuable. The 33-year-old is slashing .314/.355/.471 and is still a solid option behind the plate. But did you know he’s closing in on an impressive feat.

Montero is 45 hits away from 1,000, which would make him only the seventh active catcher with 1,000 or more. When you consider the longevity of catchers it makes the milestone all the more remarkable.

ETA: With 22 hits so far at around the one-third mark of the season in a limited role, it’ll be tough to reach it by the end of this season. Next season for sure though. Of course, whether or not he does it in a Cubs uniform remains to be seen.

Looking ahead: 600 RBI is within reach next season if he gets regular playing time, which would make him the seventh active catcher to reach that milestone, as well.

2,000 career strikeouts for Jon Lester

Jon Lester is the model of consistency. That consistency is helping him quickly approach 2,000 strikeouts for his career, which would make him only the ninth active pitcher with that many punchouts.

The lefty only needs 68 Ks to accomplish the feat, which could also secure him a spot on the top 10 active strikeouts list, assuming some players ahead of him (ahem, Bartolo Colon) decide to hang it up.

ETA: Averaging about six strikeouts a game, Lester will probably reach 2,000 at some point in August.

Looking ahead: 200 wins is on the horizon, but don’t expect it anytime soon. At 149, it’ll be three-to-four years before he’ll reach the feat, which only 116 pitchers have ever done.

100 career home runs for Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant’s been a beast the moment he came into the league. The reigning National League MVP is known for his power, and it’s showing in his homer totals.

Bryant is 23 homers away from 100 for his career, and if he can manage to get it by season’s end he’ll join a very exclusive club. Only six players have ever hit 100 or more homers in their first three seasons.

ETA: Bryant’s on pace for around 35 home runs, so barring injury he’ll get it either by late September-early October or at the very beginning of next season.

Looking ahead: Bryant needs 75 more RBI to reach 300, which is certainly reachable this season.

Next: Is Cubs' Russell stuck in 'maybe mode' at the plate?