3 Cubs who can put the team on their back for an unlikely playoff push

The Chicago Cubs' 2024 season has not been what fans expected heading into the year. Nearing the end of August, the team sits 5.5 games out of the last Wild Card, and it is unlikely that they will crack a postseason berth. However, the Cubs are playing better as of late. The bullpen that served as an early catalyst for the team's downfall has rebounded and performed at an elite clip in the last month, and the team's 13-7 record since July 31st is good if they can manage this pace while getting a little luck from the teams of ahead of them going cold.

Still, somebody needs to step up. The Cubs have players who either have the experience or have shown they can perform at a high level while going on a prolonged hot stretch. These are the three Cubs the team needs to lean on going into the final month of play.

3. Cody Bellinger

The Cubs spent most of last winter honing in on bringing Cody Bellinger back into the fold after he slashed .307/.356//.525 with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs in 2023. The ability to play Gold Glove defense only raised his floor, and they brought him back on a three-year deal with two player options in the final two years. Bellinger has not replicated that power from a season ago, and though we were okay with some regression, now is the time he needs to go on a heater again.

A former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Comeback Player of the Year, Bellinger has the skill set and experience to be one of the more dynamic players in MLB. He has appeared in the postseason in five different years and knows all about stepping up when needed. Last season, he recorded a 142 wRC+ in the second half instead of the 123 wRC+ he's currently sitting on. He's proven that he can be that guy, and the Cubs desperately need him to be the best version of himself to close out the year.