3 takeaways from the Cubs massive sweep of the Washington Nationals

2. Isaac Paredes showing signs of breaking out offensive slump

If the Cubs' offense is going to continue their success during the final month of the regular season, the team will need Isaac Paredes to return to the All-Star caliber form he had with the Tampa Bay Rays during the first half of the season.

Since being acquired by the Cubs in exchange for Christopher Morel and a pair of pitching prospects, Paredes has struggled. And while we're on the subject of the trade, save your "the Cubs would have been better off with Morel" takes. Morel did have a home run in each of his first two games with the Rays, but he has one home run since while slashing .184/.282/.291 with a 69 wRC+.

Fortunately for the Cubs, Paredes showed signs of breaking out of his slump during the three-game set against the Nationals. Paredes recorded a hit in 4 of his 13 total plate appearances against the Nationals while driving in 3 runs and scoring 3 runs of his own.