Chicago Cubs 2018 season preview
The Chicago Cubs picked up right where they left off in 2017. As they have reloaded for the coming season, 2018 should have a familiar look.
Last year, the Chicago Cubs entered the year in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in 108 years, they were the defending World Series champions, the team with a target on their back. However, they appeared ready to defend that title, with a strong lineup and a pitching staff that had been through the postseason battles.
Surprisingly, the Cubs started off slowly. They fell behind the surprising Milwaukee Brewers, and were under .500 as late as July 14th. However, from that point, the Cubs began firing on all cylinders, ending the year with a 90-72 record, winning the division by 5.5 games. However, they were unable to get back to the Fall Classic, losing the NLCS in five games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Heading into this year, the Cubs once again have high hopes. And yet, they appear to have taken a step back. Yu Darvish was a major free agency splash, and Tyler Chatwood has the makings of being an underrated signing, but there are concerns. The Cubs bullpen is a giant question mark, particularly at closer. Brandon Morrow is currently penciled in as the Cubs closer, but he has all of 18 saves in his career, with only two coming since 2009.
The Chicago Cubs are a team that seems incomplete heading into the 2018 campaign. And yet, they may still have enough to win the NL Central, and go on a run in the postseason.
Chicago Cubs additions and subtractions
Key additions: Tyler Chatwood, Yu Darvish, Brandon Morrow, Steve Chisek, Drew Smyly
Newcomer to watch: Yu Darvish. A lot has been made of the inevitable departure of Jake Arrieta from the Chicago Cubs. Adding Darvish to the rotation is an upgrade.
Although the enduring memory of Darvish from last year involves his struggles in the World Series, he pitched well for the Dodgers down the stretch. In his nine games in Los Angeles, Darvish posted a solid 3.44 ERA and a 1.168 WHiP, striking out 61 batters with only 13 walks in his 49.2 innings of work. The move to the National League suited the righty well.
With Darvish playing in front of the Cubs excellent defense, Darvish could put up similar numbers this season. He would also be facing a much weaker division in the NL Central than he contended with either in Los Angeles or in Texas. Darvish may not be the strikeout artist he had been before Tommy John surgery, but he should more than make up for the loss of Arrieta this season.
Biggest losses: Wade Davis, Hector Rondon, Jake Arrieta
Biggest loss: Wade Davis. While the Cubs made moves to improve the rotation, the bullpen took a major step backwards.
The biggest of the losses suffered by the bullpen has to be Davis. He was not quite the seemingly automatic cyborg that he was during his time with the Royals, but Davis was all but automatic in the ninth inning. He notched 32 saves in 33 opportunities, with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.142 WHiP, striking out 79 batters in 58.2 innings last year, providing Joe Maddon with a worry free option for the ninth.
As the Chicago Cubs roster is currently constructed, Brandon Morrow would get the first crack at closing. Carl Edwards would likely be the fallback plan in the event that Morrow faltered in the role. But for a team that traded for Aroldis Chapman and Wade Davis in consecutive years, this lack of attention to the closer role has to be concerning.
What to expect from the Chicago Cubs expectations in 2018
At this point, the Chicago Cubs are expecting to win the National League Central for the third consecutive year. There is no reason to think that they will not accomplish that feat.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Yes, the Cubs have holes in their roster. The pitching staff could use some work, and bringing in a proven closer would make a tremendous difference in the back of the bullpen. However, the other teams in the Central have their own flaws, and the Cubs overall roster is in far better shape.
Even if the pitching staff falters, it is difficult to find a weakness in the lineup. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant have become the superstars that the Cubs expected. Kyle Schwarber not only is healthy once again, but he has slimmed down and looks ready to continue his ascension to stardom. As strong as the Cubs lineup was last year, they may end up even better in 2018.
If that ends up being the case, it is a frightening proposition for the rest of the National League. As it was, the Cubs were in the top four in runs, homers, on base percentage, slugging, and OPS in 2017. Watching Schwarber take that step forward, as well as continued progression by Javier Baez, Ian Happ, and Addison Russell, could make 2018 another special year in Chicago.
Next: Cubs found their leadoff hitter
The Chicago Cubs are aiming for another World Series title. They may well get that wish in 2018. Prediction: First place in the NL Central.