Chicago Cubs: A tough spot to be in at the All-Star break

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most up and down teams in all of Major League baseball so far in 2021. It has been more down lately which is why they are where they are headed into the All-Star break. That would be with a 44-46 record and an 8.0 game deficit in the National League Central. Things are especially bad right now as they have lost eight of their last ten games. Included in that bad stretch is an 11 game losing streak.

Things might get crazy around the Chicago Cubs organization this month.

The biggest story around the Cubs this season has been their roster. You can wonder if that has a lot to do with where they are in the standings but it is what it is. Most of their core has no clue where they are going to be playing next month let alone next year.

Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant are all on expiring contracts. The Cubs may or may not trade one or all of them before trying to get them resigned. They aren’t a good team at all and could have a full rebuild on the horizon. It doesn’t help that the only other core piece, Willson Contreras, has only one year left after this one as well. It is a large looming decision for the organization.

The starting rotation has been brutal. Outside of a rocky start for Kyle Hendricks, he has been really good this season. Once you get past him, there isn’t much. Adbert Alzolay has been pretty good at times but he is still developing. Everyone else hasn’t carried their weight and it has shown.

The bullpen has been brilliant when used properly. Unfortunately, the starters not going deep into games has forced them to not always be used properly. Craig Kimbrel in particular has been outstanding for them. After lots of question marks going into the season, he has been one of the very best closers in all of baseball.

Are the Cubs going to be able to climb out of this 8.0 game hole? That is a question that only the owner and GM can have a say in. If they declare a rebuild, then they will continue to lose frequently because the talent level will go way down after trades. However, if they don’t trade any of the big three, they might be all in on this season and go on a run.

That is why the month of July is going to be so interesting for the team. However, for this week only, Cubs fans can look forward to the All-Star Game festivities. Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel will be there representing the North Side for the National League All-Stars. Out of every team in the sport, the Cubs will be the most interesting to watch in the second half both on and off the field.