Chicago Cubs: 5 bold predictions for second half of season
By Ryan Sikes
5. The Cubs will win the NL Central by 3 games
I don’t expect the Chicago Cubs to run away with the division, but they have way too much talent to be playing 0.500 ball as of late. Under Joe Maddon, the Cubs are a combined 189-103 in the second half of the season, so this should not be unfamiliar territory.
The addition of Craig Kimbrel will have a big impact on the rest of the bullpen, slotting everyone else into their natural roles. The Cubs figure to be active in the trade market, with the intent to acquire a left-handed reliever. Will Smith and Tony Watson from the San Francisco Giants are terrific options but it will ultimately come down to the asking price.
We know that both Nico Hoerner and Miguel Amaya are off limits, but everyone else should be fair game in my opinion. I don’t expect the Cubs offense to keep struggling as it has been lately and they are due for big months in July, August and September.
The Milwaukee Brewers have not received the same contributions this season from guys like Lorenzo Cain, Jesus Aguilar, and Travis Shaw compared to last season. The starting pitching has been pretty solid again this season, but the difference is the bullpen. Brewers’ relievers have a combined 4.21 ERA this year versus a 3.47 ERA last year.
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They still have Christian Yelich, who could very well win his second straight MVP, but he and Mike Moustakas are primarily the only two doing significant damage. They definitely won’t finish with 96 wins again. The Cubs may not reach 95 wins but they don’t necessarily have to this year to win the NL Central. I like the Cubs to finish with a 90-72 record and 3.0 games ahead of Milwaukee.