5 Chicago Cubs likely to throw the franchise's first perfect game

In 2012, MLB fans were treated to three instances of immaculate baseball: the perfect game. Philip Humber, Matt Cain, and Félix Hernández retired 27 consecutive batters to etch themselves into baseball history. King Félix's outing was the last of the trifecta (August) and there hasn't been a perfect game since. Throughout history, 23 perfect games have taken place. Not only has hitting efficiency increased, but pitchers also battle the opinions of umpires (ask Armando Galarraga) and are under a constant workload watch. Currently, there are 16 franchises that don't have a perfect game in their history books. Despite one of the most notable, colored histories, the Chicago Cubs are on that list.

At the close of the 20th Century, the Cubs saw Kerry Wood strike out 20 batters and allow only one hit, but still not perfect. In the infancy of 2016, Jake Arrieta tossed a no-hitter against the Reds. Finally, in 2021, a quartet of Cubs contributed to a combined no-hitter. Let's take a look at five potential Cubs who could propel Chicago into pitching perfection.

5 Chicago Cubs likely to throw the franchise's first perfect game - Justin Steele

Debuting in 2021, Steele has slowly begun taking form. Steele has a tendency to lose command with speed but is exceptionally accurate in the higher 80s to lower 90s. Initially, Steele was scouted as a possible bullpen arm, however, he has worked his way into Chicago's starting rotation. Is Steele the next Sandy Koufax? Probably not. Here is some food for thought; you don't have to be on your way to the Baseball Hall of Fame in order to throw a perfect game. There have been instances where average and even mediocre pitchers have broken through baseball history. Dallas Braden and Humber come to mind when substantiating this claim. Who knows, an idle start in July not on national television could muster up to a storied start for Steele.