Way too early MLB power rankings: Cubs have a lot to prove early on

Being busy doesn't always equate to finding success. But there's no refuting this Chicago Cubs team has dramatically raised its floor this winter and brought in pieces that should bring some much-needed stability that's been lacking since the 2021 trade deadline sell-off that transformed the identity of the organization.

Dansby Swanson joins Nico Hoerner to form one of the game's elite double play combos, Jameson Taillon slots into the middle of a rotation full of potential and additions like Cody Bellinger could wind up having a huge impact. Still, Chicago will need returners to trend in the right direction and have a lot of breaks go their way if they want to bring home a division crown for the first time (excluding 2020) since 2017.

So just where do the Cubs stack up in our preseason way too early MLB power rankings? Let's dig in and take a look.

MLB Power Rankings: Familiar bottom feeders and cellar dwellers

• 30: Oakland Athletics
• 29: Kansas City Royals
• 28: Washington Nationals
• 27: Detroit Tigers
• 26: Pittsburgh Pirates
• 25: Cincinnati Reds

Two fellow NL Central clubs can be found in this lowest tier of our MLB Power Rankings, but make no mistake - both the Reds and Pirates should start trending in the right direction, thanks to young talent making its way through both organizations.

The Athletics and Royals, our two lowest-ranked clubs on this list, are rudderless - especially the former, which continues to seek a new stadium deal while simultaneously tearing the roster down to the studs, trading Gold Glove catcher Sean Murphy as part of a three-team deal with the Braves and Brewers