MLB Playoffs 2017: Five bold playoff predictions

5. The Cubs will repeat as World Series Champions.

You had to know this one was coming, right? If you asked around baseball, I’m not sure anybody would be actually surprised if the Cubs repeated. They have the experience; they have the same team as last year. And the pitching is coming around at the right time, not to mention a lockdown bullpen.

Carl Edwards, Jr, Pedro Strop, and Wade Davis deliver a dynamite back end of a bullpen, while Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, Jake Arrieta, and Kyle Hendricks is a more than serviceable rotation. The Cubs have a 46-24 record in the second half and lead the major leagues in average, runs, runs per game, and on-base percentage. They look like the 2016 team that won the World Series again.

Speaking of offense, does this offense really need to be talked about? It’s methodical. They will take their walks, they will slug, and will just keep coming at their opponent. It’s the same offense as last year, and add in a healthy Kyle Schwarber, and better versions of Javier Baez, Jason Heyward, and Willson Contreras. With the way the Cubs are playing, they may be a tougher out than they were last year when they won the World Series. People forget that.