3 Chicago Cubs players behind the team's latest hot streak

July 30 saw the Chicago Cubs hit a low point in their season. They were last place in the National League Central, 11 games back of first place, and 7 games out of the final wildcard spot. In the 25 games since that day, the team seems to have turned a corner with a 17-8 record. That record ties the Cubs with the Padres for the second-best record in that time frame and puts them just behind the Diamondbacks' 18-7 record.

The offense as a whole has been performing well, with their .817 OPS in the last 25 games good for second-best behind Arizona's .842. Although the hot streak has been a team effort, these three players stand out among the rest.

1. Seiya Suzuki

Suzuki has continued his solid season, slashing .309/.376/.546 in the last 25 games. He also has 12 extra-base hits including three triples in that time frame. Suzuki has been clutch all season, but especially since July 31, including a walk-off hit against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 16. Suzuki has had a strong season so far but has turned it up a notch recently.

2. Pete Crow-Armstrong

Although Armstrong's season did not start off as planned, the Cubs rookie has been on a tear recently, slashing .333/.398/.583 in the last 25 games. He has contributed on the basepaths as well, going 7-for-8 in stolen base attempts since July 31. Most recently, Armstrong went 4-for-4 against Pittsburgh on August 28, helping lead the Cubs to a comeback victory. If Armstrong continues hitting well, it will be an encouraging sign for the Cubs team that is inching closer to a playoff spot.

3. Ian Happ

Happ has been the Cubs' best hitter in the last 25 games, slashing .287/.385/.606. His .992 OPS leads all qualified Cubs hitters, as do his seven home runs and nine doubles. Although his season numbers are not particularly flashy, he has been a valuable offensive piece all season and the Cubs need him to continue a good level of production if they want a chance at the playoffs.

The Cubs' recent run has been an encouraging sign. Their streak has helped them climb into second place in the NL Central and into a winning record for the first time since May 28. They still have 5.5 games to make up on the Braves for the wildcard but the prospect of the Cubs in the playoffs seems more likely it was last month.