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After a phenomenal homestand against the Cincinnati Reds and, more impressively, the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs' playoff odds have surged after going 5-2 on this most recent week of games. According to Baseball Reference, the Cubs now have a 77.6% chance to make the postseason in 2023 and a massive spike up to 60.5% to win the NL Central this season.
Rightfully so, given the team's "never say die" attitude since the All-Star break. The Cubs are 16-7 in the second half, boasting one of MLB's best offenses. After winning a series against the Braves, baseball's best team to this point, proved the Cubs can hang with the big boys, having no element in their game in which they are drastically outmatched.
The hitting on this team has been critical for its success. Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson have led the way, with everybody also contributing. Justin Steele is now tied for the lead in wins with 13 after another impressive start yesterday against Atlanta. Jameson Taillon has found whatever he was missing earlier in the year. Getting Marcus Stroman back into a rhythm once his hip issue is resolved will help put this team over the top.
It is still an uphill battle from here, but the Cubs have reached new peeks and are pouring it on as the season enters its final two months of play. Given a poor stretch of one-run losses earlier in the season and fantastic marks in both pitching and offense, which boasts the only plus run differential in the NL Central, the standings were bound to begin correcting themselves, hence, why the Cubs are getting so much love now regarding playoff odds.
Taking care of business against the recently gutted New York Mets is key, and hanging with the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend will be another good test for where this team is. One thing is for sure, Jed Hoyer is happy to support this team with valuable assets, such as Jeimer Candelario, if they are proving they have what it takes to win. Especially with a top farm in baseball to supplement their competitive window staying open long-term, making the postseason this year is the ultimate goal that will show the Cubs brass they are ready to compete and spend big in free agency.