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The Chicago Cubs offense is on fire right now. Since June 9th, they have been some of the best in all of Major League Baseball. During these 50 games, the Cubbies rank first in Runs (310) and second place in Runs per Game (6.2), Hits (466), and Batting Average (.270).
One of the key offseason acquisitions, centerfielder Cody Bellinger, has been leading the charge. He was named the National League Player of the Month for July. This is where we saw him hit exactly .400 and led major league baseball with average, hits (40) and total bases (69). He has produced finishes in the top five in RBI (24), slugging percentage (.698), and home runs (8). Cubs Manager David Ross mentioned the following:
""There’s moments in the season where you feel like a guy carries a team, puts ‘em on his back. I thought he did that for us.""Andy Martinez -Marquee Sports Network
He certainly did that and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down in August. Right now, the former National League MVP is riding an eight-game hitting streak. He is currently batting 13 for 30 while collecting his third straight multi-hit game. For the year, Bellinger is slashing .236/.378/.925 with 100 hits, 16 home runs, and 53 RBI.
Another key contributor over the past week has been a recent addition at the trade deadline, Jeimer Candlario. He has been the best hitter during this time. In six games, he is slashing .550/.625/.900. So far, this pickup is paying huge dividends for the Cubs. This is his second stint with Chicago and he is making the most of it.
Finally, the super-star Shortstop Dansby Swanson has been proving the worth of his seven-year $177 million contract he signed during this past offseason. The "leader" or "captain" of this squad has found his power swing by totaling 17 long balls on the year. He has also collected 100 hits exactly and slashed .264/.347/.456 so far.
Can their offense stay red hot? If so, things will be getting very interesting for the North Siders. They decided to be buyers at the trade deadline and that new sense of confidence from the front office is rubbing off on this team. They now see themselves only 1.5 games behind the Brewers who are leading the National League Central division. I believe it's time for all of Cubs Nation to get excited about the possibility of a playoff run.