The Chicago Cubs hot start to spring training offers hope for decisive 2025 season

Cubs First Baseman Michael Busch
Cubs First Baseman Michael Busch | Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages

Yes, it is just five Spring Training games and it won't necessarily mean anything in the long run, but the Chicago Cubs are off to an exceptional start this spring. The Cubs are in the Top 5 in several categories through five games.

The Cubs have an absurd team average of .345, with the next closest team being the Toronto Blue Jays, who are hitting .315 in just two games compared to the Cubs' five. The Cubs also lead all teams in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, hits, doubles, RBIs, and runs scored.

The Cubs have been led by Michael Busch and Kevin Alcantara in the spring, both of whom have batting averages of .500 and higher. They are first and second in almost every offensive category and it has Cubs fans feeling quite excited for what could be to come this season.

Along with the Cubs' offense being on fire, its pitching has also stood out on certain days. Brad Keller is a prime example of a non-roster invite who is making the most of his opportunity on a new team. In two appearances, Keller has thrown 3.2 innings, allowing no runs on just two hits and striking out three batters.

Keller has averaged a tick above 93MPH on his fastball the last two seasons but has been up to 97 on the pitch in the spring and has looked impressive in doing so.

Another pitcher who has stood out is left-hander Riley Martin. Martin is on the cusp of making the Opening Day roster as the Cubs do not have nearly enough left-handed pitching depth in their bullpen. Martin had a 37.2% K rate in Triple-A last season, certainly something that he would love to replicate at the major league level.

While it is only five games and there is plenty of baseball left to play, the start the Cubs are off to could be a sign of things to come in 2025 as they try to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

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