Cubs: 3 key early season series to have circled on your calendar

Cubs: 3 key early season matchups – #2: Tampa Bay Rays  @ Chicago Cubs

Somehow, for years now, the Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the strongest clubs in all of baseball. Backed by a fantastic farm system, it’s fascinating when one of the smallest market teams can consistently put together such an incredible on-field product.

Although Tyler Glasnow, who has become sensational in his own right, will likely miss the entire 2022 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Rays still pack a punch – headlined by up-and-coming superstar Wander Franco.

Elsewhere, Austin Meadows and Brandon Lowe, fresh off of a career year, will play key roles. If Corey Kluber can put anything special together in the #2 spot of the Rays rotation, it will be no surprise to see Kevin Cash’s club making another deep postseason run this year.