3 players who have to improve for the Chicago Cubs to have a shot in 2024

It wasn't without drama or late-inning stress. Still, the Chicago Cubs bounced back from Friday's disastrous meltdown to even up the series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The two teams will do battle in the rubber match on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field to settle the score here in early May.

Looking past this weekend's series, it's clear that the Cubs are playing a dangerous game. Between the bullpen struggles and an offense that has looked like a shell of its former self with Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki on the shelf, 'easy' wins have been few and far between. If not for a starting rotation that, top to bottom, is pitching far beyond expectations, the picture could look very different for Craig Counsell's club right now.

But we can't put all the weight on those returning from the IL. Here are three guys who have fallen well short of what Counsell will need from them early on - and must turn it on as the summer gets started.

Dansby Swanson has been a liability for the Cubs on both sides of the ball

After bringing home a Gold Glove in his first year with the Cubs, Dansby Swanson is off to a bumpy start in year two of his seven-year, $177 million contract. His usually stellar defense has left plenty to be desired and, with key contributors sidelined, he's failed to step up offensively, as well.

The underlying data doesn't have any glaring red flags when it comes to his soft performance at the plate, other than he's hitting the ball on the ground too often in the team's first 30+ contests. Exit velocity, hard hit rate and barrel rate are all relatively in line with his career numbers, so there's no reason to panic here.

Defensively, it's been a strange season for Swanson, who already has four errors after making just 11 last season. Again, given his track record, there's cause for optimism. This is a guy who has always been a stalwart defender and there's no reason to think he's bottoming out or that age is hindering his abilities at this point.

Hector Neris has to find a way to settle in and lead this Cubs bullpen

He's a perfect six-for-six in save opportunities since replacing Adbert Alzolay as Counsell's ninth-inning man, but he hasn't exactly inspired confidence in his work on the mound.

Hector Neris, signed this winter to a one-year deal on the heels of a strong multi-year run with the Phillies and Astros, has done little to calm fears over the warning signs he showed during his final season with Houston. At first glance, a 3.46 ERA and a 100% save conversion rate suggest all is well. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Yes, Neris carries a 3.46 ERA - but a 5.29 FIP paints a clearer picture as to how things are going for the veteran this season. He's somehow stranded 83.3% of baserunners so far, a number sure to regress, and a walk rate north of 20% will come around to bite him, sooner or later.

With Alzolay searching for answers and Neris making every appearance a nail-biter, the return of Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks can't come soon enough. At least then, Counsell will be able to lean on guys like Ben Brown in the bullpen to add some impact depth and keep the ship afloat.