5 Things Cubs Should Do to Make the Playoffs

4. Get Some Bats That Are Rolling

On paper, the Cubs lineup looks like an absolute nightmare for opponents. They proved it in the last seven games of the season, but can we really count on it moving forward? Cubs management is not even close to giving up on the season and a couple of major acquisitions could help out at the trade deadline.

The Cubs can only salivate about the possibility of attaining Colorado catcher Elias Diaz. Diaz is hitting .286 with 30 RBIs and a .733 OPS. C Miguel Amaya is hitting .201 with a .554 OPS and 18 RBIs. Newly acquired Tomas Nido is hitting .202 with 12 RBIs and a .50 OPS. Diaz is a complete game-changer at the catcher position for the Cubs.

As long as we are spending someone else's money, let's grab Pete Alonso. Alonso would fit at 1B or DH. DH feels better since Busch's defense has been more than adequate and downright spectacular at times. Watching the stats ESPN flashed at the Home Run Derby, Alonso's career numbers are phenomenal as he has led the majors in home runs since 2019. The Cubs don't really have a power hitter of that stature right now. This year he is showing 19 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .773 OPS.

Scenarios do get a little tricky with Alonso as DH. Currently, the Cubs play the DH very flexibly, rotating Morel, Suzuki, and Busch. For Morel to bat, he would need to play third. His defense is improved, but Mastrobuoni has been an upgrade. For Suzuki to bat, he needs to play right which takes away an incredible defensive outfield of Bellinger, Happ, and Crow-Armstrong. And Mike Tauchman is on IL right now as another outfielder.

5. Get a Closer to Stop Teams from Rolling

The starting pitching for the Cubs has been off the hook and places them ninth in ERA in MLB. Check out the ERA's of the starting rotation:
- RHP Javier Assad, 3.27
- LHP, All-Star Shota Imanaga, 2.97
- LHP Justin Steele, 2.71
- RHP Jameson Taillon, 3.10

RHP Kyle Hendricks had a horrible start, was relegated to the bullpen, and came back to the rotation due to starter injuries. In his last game against St. Louis, he went seven innings with no runs but still boasts a 6.78 ERA on the year.

The Cubs bullpen has been spotty. Some days, they are unhittable and some days the ball leaves the park multiple times. But every day, the closing spot is an adventure. RHP Hector Neris has attempted the role but has a 3.86 ERA, and a 1.56 WHIP, with four blown saves out of 17 attempts. RHP Porter Hodge, who has closer velocity, recently blew a save against St. Louis. They have tried Mark Leiter, Jr., Drew Smyly, Luke Little, Daniel Palencia, and Jorge Lopez in the position.

With several very quality closers on non-competitive teams like the A's and the Angels, it seems possible to grab someone who can help out in high-leverage situations. Having an every day closer will allow Counsell to focus on the middle inning and setup strategy.

Let's Keep Rolling

Quite a bit of momentum built up in the last two weeks for the Cubs. Given their situation, they can't tread water, they will need to perform at a high level for the last 60 games of the year. Counsell has been tinkering with the lineup, and the bullpen, and trying every combination to find the formula. A couple of new pieces could really make some decisions much easier as well as some players performing to their potential.

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