5 overly optimistic predictions for the Chicago Cubs second half

There have been some serious ups and downs for the Chicago Cubs this year. There has been a decent amount of success, notably from the starting rotation. But on the other hand, there's been plenty to criticize whether it be the discombobulated bullpen, the inconsistent offense, or the absolute disaster at the first base position. However, the Cubs have a relatively easy schedule heading into the August 1st trade deadline where they are slated to face multiple teams with records under .500.

With that in mind, the Cubs could put themselves in a great position to not only become buyers at the trade deadline but even make a playoff run. With all this being said, here are some optimistic and probably unrealistic predictions for the remainder of the Cubs' 2023 season.

1. Justin Steele wins the Cy Young award

Justin Steele has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Cubs this year. In 16 starts, Steele owns a stellar 2.56 ERA (2nd in the NL) and a WHIP of 1.06 (3rd in NL). The southpaw is also coming off his first All-Star game appearance where he tossed a 10-pitch scoreless inning. All in all, Steele is building off his breakout season last year and taking things to the next level, which is making him look like an ace-level starter.

The only blemish on Steele's season was a short but costly IL stint that has put him behind the pack in terms of innings pitched (91). Meanwhile, Zach Gallen, the main front-runner for the NL Cy Young, has almost 30 more innings on the books than Steele at 118. Gallen and maybe Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider are the two main players standing in Steele's way for the award. Steele is not as strikeout-heavy when compared to the other two men, which also hurts his chances.

But if Steele can avoid the IL and continue to go deep into ball games, there's a chance that he collects enough innings to make a run at the Cy Young. He just needs to continue to play his game and keep the momentum he's had for the last year and a half.

2. The Cubs soft sell at the deadline

I think it is very unlikely the Cubs will win enough games to convince themselves that they are buyers at this year's trade deadline. This is not the worst thing in the world because the Cubs may be able to trade some assets and still set themselves up to compete in 2024. The most likely trade candidate in my opinion is Marcus Stroman, who is having one of the best stretches of his career. The 32-year-old right-hander will draw significant interest from multiple teams looking to bolster their rotation. The most likely suitors are the Texas Rangers, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Atlanta Braves.

Another likely candidate to go would be reliever Michael Fulmer, who despite his mighty struggles in the first two months has grown more trustworthy in June and July. The 30-year-old has given up just 2 earned runs since May 28th and competing teams could always use an extra bullpen arm. The Cubs have successfully moved relievers like Fulmer in the past two years to acquire some of their best prospects. The deals for David Robertson, Andrew Chafin, and Scott Effross proved to be very lucrative.

Aside from those two guys who are on expiring contracts, I would keep everyone else including Cody Bellinger. This lineup needs left-handed power and it doesn't make sense to move the only guy in your lineup that provides that on a consistent basis. If Bellinger continues to rake and wants more money at the end of the year, then pay the guy.

4. The Cubs extend Cody Bellinger

We've already been over the fact that the Cubs need Bellinger on this team not only for this year but for years to come. And that means giving the guy a contract extension after the trade deadline. There will be teams calling to check in on a Bellinger trade, which means that Jed Hoyer will have to resist the urge to move him no matter what the prospect package looks like. I just cannot get behind getting rid of a lefty power bat that can play first base when you already need all of those things.

You have a top center field prospect in Pete Crow-Armstrong that will probably be ready next year so Bellinger can shift over to first base. Sending Bellinger away just makes your path back to the playoffs even harder for 2024. As Bellinger's agent Scott Boras said, it's not every day a 27-year-old former MVP and World Series champion walks through your door. For the love of baseball, do not let Bellinger become the one that got away.

5. The Cubs win the NL Central division

The NL Central is not good this year. The Pirates had a hot start but are already falling off, the St. Louis Cardinals just declared themselves sellers at the deadline and the Cincinnati Reds have a hot young offense but very little starting pitching. That leaves the good old Milwaukee Brewers, who will probably emerge as the main contenders for the division down the stretch. And with their ace Brandon Woodruff coming back from the IL very soon, the Cubs will have their hands full with the Milwaukee pitching staff.

But the Cubs have a capable starting pitching staff of their own to lean on and a newly solidified bullpen to boot. The main trick will be for the offense to find some semblance of consistency with runners in scoring position. It wouldn't hurt if Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ started hitting more home runs too but that doesn't seem likely. We've seen glimpses of this team being able to string together great offensive outbursts and now is the time to do that again. This division is ripe for the taking and the Cubs have the ability and talent to win it.

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