5 biggest X-factors for the Chicago Cubs heading into the 2023 season

Heading into every MLB season, there are always certain players on every roster where their success could make or break a team's season. Whether those players are rookies or veterans, an X-factor player could turn a whole team's season into a successful one.

When you look across the Chicago Cubs roster, there are multiple players that can make or break the season. While you could consider just about every player an X-factor on this Cubs team, I ranked the top 5 biggest X-factors and how they could impact the season.

5 biggest X-factors for the Chicago Cubs heading into the 2023 season - Matt Mervis

One of the biggest X-factors across the entire Cubs roster is a player that has yet to even make their major league debut yet. That player is one of the Cubs' top prospects, Matt Mervis.

While we know Mervis will not be making an impact for the Cubs on opening day, we know there is a good chance his impact comes down the line. While nothing is guaranteed, it feels more than likely that Mervis will be in play for a roster spot at some point this season.

The reason Mervis is considered one of the biggest X-factors for this Cubs team is because of what he can bring to the table when he is inevitably up at some point this season. The Cubs need left-handed power in their lineup and that is what Mervis brings to the table.

Let us not forget, Mervis hit 36 home runs across three levels of minor-league baseball last season. If Mervis could get off to a fast start in Triple-A this upcoming season, I would say it is more than likely that he will be up by May or June.

5 biggest X-factors for the Chicago Cubs heading into the 2023 season - Hayden Wesneski

The hype could not be any higher than it is right now for Hayden Wesneski. A good season from Hayden Wesneski can potentially take the Cubs from an alright team to a good team.

Wesneski has the kind of stuff that you want out of any MLB starting pitcher. With Wesneski in the starting rotation for the Cubs, the Cubs are setting themselves in a position for a potential future ace in the making.

Going into this season we knew the Cubs had four solid major league starters, but the fifth starter was always in question. After a couple of solid appearances last year and a great spring training, the Cubs could potentially have one of their best pitchers in Wesneski.

A lot of things will have to go right early for Wesneski, but we have already seen the potential and know what he can be. At this point, I think you could consider Wesneski one of the early favorites for National League rookie of the year.

5 biggest X-factors for the Chicago Cubs heading into the 2023 season - Justin Steele

One of the great success stories from the Cubs a year ago was the incredible second half that Justin Steele had. Steele managed to turn himself into a legitimate Major League starter that could not be denied from starting every 5th day for the Cubbies. Now the question is, can Steele sustain that success and take it to the next level?

Steele, 27, is still on the younger side for a starting pitcher and has the kind of stuff that most major league teams look for in an ace. In 2022, Steele had a 3.18 ERA and 126 strikeouts. If Steele can continue with that line, you feel extremely comfortable with him as your 2nd or 3rd starter.

What comes into play for Steele though is if he could have an even greater season, you are starting to talk about having a legitimate potential ace on your hand. That would mean the Cubs have managed to build up a homegrown potential ace in their starting rotation.

The potential success of Justin Steele is what can take to Cubs from being good to very good. But most importantly for the Cubs' pitching staff to continue to succeed, they will want Steele to continue to improve on what was an awesome season a year ago.

5 biggest X-factors for the Chicago Cubs heading into the 2023 season - Cody Bellinger

I know Doddgers fans have probably been saying this for a couple of years now, but a great Cody Bellinger can legitimately change the Cubs' entire season. Since Bellinger won the MVP in 2019, he has done nothing but struggle mightily at the plate. Yet, we know what he is capable of, and if he can reignite that MVP season in some form, he could change a season.

First of all, that left-handed power is something the Cubs need. Bellinger tweaked his approach and swing this off-season, and it has already looked to pay dividends in Spring Training. Throughout Spring Training, Bellinger hit 3 home runs across 45 ABs.

If you could reignite that spark that is inside of Bellinger it will legitimately change the Cubs' season around. While the Cubs have a ton of great pieces that are making up for a foundational core, they really do not have a star player. If Bellinger can find himself and hit anywhere close to that 47 home runs he once had, the Cubs have a star.

The Cubs and Bellinger were willing to take a risk on one another this season and are hoping it will pay off for both of their success. Only time will tell but the early signs from Spring Training are positive.