1. Seiya Suzuki
Before injuring his oblique, Seiya Suzuki had been on a tear since the season began. With a slash of .305/..368/.525, he proved that his second half in 2023 wasn't a fluke and that he was turning the corner into stardom. His injury posed a major hit to a potent lineup, but Suzuki's production from the heart of the order was a critical factor in that lineup's potency. At the time of injury, he led the Cubs with 13 RBIs, which he is still tied for first on the team even after not playing in the past series against Arizona.
Suzuki has been among baseball's OPS leaders since last year's All-Star break when David Ross benched him for underperformance. With this year plus two more remaining on his contract, he is now a cornerstone of the Cubs' offense, their primary strength dating back to lack of season. Assuming he is back from his oblique strain and has ample time to qualify, he is a lock for the All-Star game this year in Arlington.