3 reasons the Chicago Cubs could become surprise Wild Card contenders

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The 2022 Chicago Cubs finished the 2022 season with a 74-88 record with their best record coming in the final full month of the season with a 15-11 September record. Chicago had a solid offseason adding key pieces spending big at shortstop and adding depth in the outfield.

While the team is clearly not a World Series threat, there is reason to believe in an expanded playoff field the Cubs could become surprise Wild Card contenders. With the bar set low within their own division and the National League clearly being top-heavy, the Cubs have a unique opportunity.

Winning 80-85 games is absolutely on the table for this roster and would be enough to keep the team relevant deep into the season.

The Cubs being relevant is great for the game as well. Meaningful September games being played at Wrigley Field haven’t happened in far too long, and this roster that has a chance to reverse that if everything falls perfectly into place. The reasons to believe in this team are clear.

Here are 3 reasons why the Chicago Cubs could contend for a Wild Card

Apr 3, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) reacts after hitting a single against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dansby Swanson

Far too many of the headlines surrounding Dansby Swanson this past offseason and through spring training are about what the Atlanta Braves will do to replace him, not the potential impact the shortstop will have on the Cubs.

Swanson has started out the season red-hot at the plate, setting the tone for an offense that has struggled. Swanson’s defense will bring much-needed stability to the Chicago infield, along with a proven clutch hitter.

For those that watched Swanson with the Braves, you know he is at his best from innings seven through nine, hitting at a high level when it matters most. This is the complete opposite of the Cubs over the past two seasons and will bring a veteran Chicago will rely on in the season’s biggest moments.

Swanson brings vast postseason experience as well, winning the World Series in 2021 with the Braves and making the postseason every year since 2019.

Add in Swanson’s durability playing in 160 and 162 games each of the last two seasons and the addition cannot be understated.

Apr 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay (55) reacts with relief pitcher David Bednar (51) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Playing in a weak division

The Cubs will consistently have the chance to play the Reds and Pirates, two teams that clearly didn’t do enough this past offseason and will be competing for the basement. Add in a Brewers team that is becoming the opposite of clutch and a Cardinals roster that lost Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina and it is fair to expect the division to take a step back as a whole.

While the Cubs improved, the majority of the division failed to improve or took a step back. It isn’t hard to make the case the Cubs can compete with the Brewers this season and it isn’t out of the question they could give a talented Cardinals roster trouble.

Second place in this division should compete for the final Wild Card spot and, with two teams in the Reds and Pirates already clearly ruled out, the Cubs are going to have a great chance to surprise their division.

The Cardinals should clearly be the favorites, but a struggling Brewers lineup and inconsistent rotation will leave the door open for the Cubs.

Mar 30, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) delivers against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Underrated depth moves the Cubs made throughout the offseason

While the Dansby Swanson signing might be the biggest headline of the Cubs offseason, the team quietly improved by adding depth and players with a chance to bounce back in new roles. Cody Bellinger, Brad Boxberger, and Eric Hosmer all stand out as talented players Chicago bought low on and have reason to feel they will produce at a high level on a younger team with far less pressure and expectations.

Chicago mixed in spending top dollar for key free agents as well, with the aforementioned Swanson as well as signing Trey Mancini and Jameson Taillon. Adding in improvement from Chicago’s young players and the reasons to believe in this team are clear.

With far less talent, this team managed to win 74 games and play winning ball late in the season. With clear upgrades and very little subtracted from the roster, expecting an eight- to 12-game improvement isn’t a stretch and should be more than enough to keep the Cubs in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot this season.

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