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5 reasons why Chicago Cubs are poised for 2018 World Series run

By Ryan Heckman

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 04: The Wrigley Field marquee displays 'World Series Champions' during the 2016 World Series victory parade for the Chicago Cubs on November 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs won their first World Series championship in 108 years after defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game 7. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 04: The Wrigley Field marquee displays 'World Series Champions' during the 2016 World Series victory parade for the Chicago Cubs on November 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs won their first World Series championship in 108 years after defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game 7. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Rizzo Kris Bryant
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

The Cubs’ heart and soul belong in the hands of two young stars who have formed an inseparable bond.

Go back and re-watch the final play of the 2016 World Series. Pause it right before Kris Bryant is about to toss the ball over to Anthony Rizzo and send the Cubs home as champions. Take a look at the expression on Bryant’s face.

Pure joy.

Once driven by the smile and joy brought by veteran David Ross, the Cubs’ heart and soul now lies in the bond that these two have formed over their first few seasons together. Not only are they immensely talented both offensively and defensively — the numbers speak for themselves — but these two are what drive this team forward each day.

Coming into the league, Bryant took off and never looked back. He had some rough patches, but overall you could tell he was going to be an incredible player. He might have been young, but it hasn’t taken long to realize that the Cubs will go just as far as he takes them.

The same can be said about Rizzo. He and Bryant will carry this team as far as they are willing to go. In the postseason, it will be imperative for them to perform at a much higher level than they did in 2017. I don’t need to go in-depth here, as I am sure most of you know what I am referring to — they weren’t the same guys over the course of last year’s postseason as we were used to seeing.

Already boasting an MVP season, Bryant is only going to get better, which is a scary thought. Rizzo, on the other hand, is as steady as they come. He is riding four straight 30-plus home run seasons and three straight 100-RBI seasons.

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It is almost unbelievable to dive into the numbers of not only these two, but the rest of this roster. Barring any serious injuries, the 2018 Cubs should be one of the best teams in MLB history, hands down. With that said, it’s World Series or bust this year — we’re all expecting big things.

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