Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers poised for years of showdowns

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers each have a pennant to their credit in the last two years. But which team is better set up for success long-term?

One year ago to the day, the Chicago Cubs did it. Fans across the world watched as Kris Bryant fielded a slow chopper, firing the ball across the diamond to Anthony Rizzo to complete one of the best Game 7s in baseball history.

And what a day it was.

This year, though, the Los Angeles Dodgers bested the Cubs in the National League Championship Series, running roughshod through the reigning champs – taking the series in five games. Then, the Dodgers pushed the Fall Classic as far as it can go, forcing last night’s winner-take-all contest in Chavez Ravine.

But looking ahead, which one of these teams is most likely to return to the World Series?

Chicago unloaded most of its top minor league talent over the last few years, adding pieces like Aroldis Chapman and Jose Quintana in deadline deals. Chapman, of course, headed back to the Bronx last winter – while Quintana remains a big part of the Cubs’ future plans.

Los Angeles has a core that remains enviable – even as some of their premier talent starts on the big-league roster. Cody Bellinger will follow Corey Seager to make it two-straight Dodgers to win the NL Rookie of the Year. And, of course, a rotation headlined by Clayton Kershaw is nothing to sneeze at.

Let’s try to put these clubs side-by-side.