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1. The starting rotation is already elite
It doesn't sound like something you would typically hear during a losing season, but the starting rotation for the Cubs has been top-notch all season and will continue to be. Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, and Jameson Taillon have multiple years left before free agency. The 5th spot has been a revolving door for most of the season, but if somebody like Cade Horton winds up coming up and anchoring a spot, this rotation will be dangerous.
As we approach the trade deadline, the Cubs' rotation is 4th best in the National League. If it wasn't for those dreaded bullpen woes, this team's rotation is deep playoff run-ready already. You have four starters who are all dialed in, and it isn't out of the realm of possibility that Jed Hoyer gets aggressive and adds another top-tier starter the way they should have with Tyler Glasnow over the winter. Still, this rotation is the number one building block the Cubs have that will lead them to the promised land.