#14
The Chicago Cubs have not been able to repeat the success that won them their historic World Series in 2016. Will 2019 bring them back to elite or mark the possible end of their run that broke the curse?
2018 Predictions
1st in NL Central, win World Series
2018 Results
95-68, 2nd in NL Central, WILD CARD, lost Wild Card Game
First, I didn't quite get to all my articles last season so I do not have a Fearless Prediction to carry over. However, you could say predicting them to win two World Series in three years was quite a fearless prediction. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. It seems impossible for a 95 win season to be a disappointment, but it was in Chicago. Although their record still showed success, they struggled all season with injuries and offense. They lost a playoff game for the division title against the Brewers, then lost the Wild Card Game against the Rockies. When they needed to win a game, they couldn't.
Additions / Subtractions
With the amount of money they have committed to several players as they have made this run over the last few seasons, the Cubs really had no financial flexibility to go out and acquire anyone. In fact, they are entering 2019 with almost the exact same roster as they ended last season with. Daniel Murphy has moved on after being acquired mid-season last year. Daniel Descalso was brought in to replace Tommy La Stella as a backup utility infielder. That's about all they did.
Most Important Hitter
Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant started off his career winning Rookie of the Year in 2015 and the MVP in 2016 before winning the World Series. 2017 wasn't up to his MVP level, but 2018 was his worst season to date. Injuries limited him to 102 games. When he played, he was below his lofty standards, only hitting .272 (.295 the year before) with 13 home runs (lowest total before that was 26) and an OPS+ of 118 (lowest before that was 135 his rookie year). After being a 6 or 7 win player in terms of WAR each season up until this point, 2018 saw him total a 1.9 WAR. If the Cubs are going to be elite in 2019, Kris Bryant needs to be elite once again.
Most Important Pitcher
Yu Darvish
Some questioned the Cubs last offseason when they decided to sign Yu Darvish to a 6 year deal after he seemed to fall apart in the World Series the year before for the Dodgers. It was questioned even more when Darvish was only able to make 8 starts and total 40 innings in 2018 due to injuries. He says he is entering 2019 100% healthy which will be needed. Darvish still has the ability to be dominant, and the Cubs have a rotation that is aging and shown signs of inconsistency. Darvish can stabilize the rotation and be the leader he is being paid to be.
Prospect to Watch
Adbert Alzolay
When the Cubs were preparing for their World Series run, they had one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. Now, is it tends to happen, their system is one of the worst as all their top prospects are now several years into their career. Others they have traded away to bring in players to help them now, like the 2016 trade of Gleyber Torres to the Yankees for Aroldis Chapman. Or the 2017 trade of Eloy Jimenez to the White Sox for Jose Quintana. Now they are left with a system that only boasts one player in the top 100, and he is still at least a couple years away. Their best opportunity for meaningful contributions comes from Adbert Alzolay, a 24 year old right-handed starter. He missed a good portion of last season with an injury so he won't be ready right away, but look for him to be a helpful arm through the dog days of summer.
2019 Prediction
3rd in NL Central
The way I see it, #11-14 on this list will be teams that are competing for a playoff spot all the way down to the final games, but come up just short. The Cubs may have a renewed focus and energy this season, but they also now see themselves int he most competitive division in baseball. Even if their win total is nearing 90 games again, it is possible that is only good for 3rd place in this stacked division. Some of their core players are aging and past their prime, and I think their window with this core is quickly closing.
Fearless Prediction
This will be Joe Maddon's last season as Cubs manager.
There has been much speculation about this throughout the offseason. Joe Maddon is in the last year of his contract, and no progress has been made towards an extension. Several speculate that Maddon might want to see what happens this season first before he decides if he wants to come back. Some say he might just be done managing. However you look at it, chances are this is the Cubs last run with the manager that finally brought a World Series title back to Wrigley.
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