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Why the Chicago Cubs can win without Bryce Harper

By Douglas Schwamb

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 08: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals hits a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning of game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 08: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals hits a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning of game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs, Bryce Harper
Chicago Cubs (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Health

After losing Jake Arrieta to free agency, the Cubs signed Yu Darvish to a deal to replace Arrieta in the rotation. However, Darvish and several key contributors missed a lot of time due to injuries.

With a depleted team, the Cubs still managed to win 95 games. However, due to their injuries, the Cubs were short on talent and had to overuse some of their key contributors, which makes sense as to why they struggled at times.

If the Cubs want to compete, they need to stay healthy. Kris Bryant, Yu Darvish, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber, Wilson Contreras, and Anthony Rizzo all need to stay healthy in order to make a deep playoff run.

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With improved health, it can set off a good chain reaction. Health can lead to good depth, which can lead to well rested players, therefore giving key contributors such as Bryant and Rizzo improving and having better years. It definitely makes Joe Maddon’s job a lot easier knowing that he has more weapons on offense and in  the bullpen.

The Cubs won the World Series in 2016, because their key contributors stayed healthy and produced good numbers. Look for these guys to try and do the same.

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