The Chicago Cubs made history in 2016 when they celebrated their first World Series title in 108 years. Now the Cubs are back looking for more as they attempt to build on what they accomplished last season and make another championship run. The Cubs certainly have the talent to successfully defend their title with some nice pieces but essentially the same core that got the job done last season. This franchise took a long time to finally win a championship and now that they have there is no doubt they want to do it again in 2017.
Key Additions: RP Wade Davis, CF Jon Jay, RP Koji Uehara, SP Brett Anderson, RP Brian Duensing
Key Losses: OF Dexter Fowler, RP Aroldis Chapman, SP Jason Hammel, OF Jorge Soler, RP Travis Wood, RP Trevor Cahill, OF Chris Coghlan, C David Ross
Strengths
The Cubs success starts with a solid starting rotation which features Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey. Chicago needs this group to stay healthy and deliver another dominant season. Aroldis Chapman left in the offseason but the Cubs added Wade Davis to take over the closer role and they have some excellent bullpen options in Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Justin Grimm. From top to bottom, there is no doubt that Chicago has one of the better pitching staffs in the majors. Meanwhile, the offense is in good hands as well with Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant leading the way. The Cubs have one of the deepest outfields in the majors and will have to sort out playing time with Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, Albert Almora Jr., Kyle Schwarber and Jon Jay all in the mix. That is likely a problem that Chicago will welcome as their talent and depth should solidify their status as World Series title contenders.
Weaknesses
It’s hard to find a weakness throughout this Cubs roster but there are at least a couple of reasons for concern. Lackey will be 38-years-old in 2017 and Chicago is hoping that he and Hendricks don’t regress following strong seasons. Both of those players were big innings eaters and key cogs in the playoffs as well. Wilson Contreras will be asked to catch full-time following the retirement of David Ross and he must prove that he is up to the task both defensively and at the plate. Although, Ross wasn’t a huge contributor at the plate.
The biggest challenge could be the fact that the Cubs will go from the hunters to the hunted this coming season and they must prove that they are up to the challenge with every opponent looking to take down the defending World Series champions. That’s a lot of pressure and some teams are not up to that.
2017 Chicago Cubs Depth Chart
| Catcher | Willson Contreras | Miguel Montero | Kyle Schwarber | ||
| First Base | Anthony Rizzo | Kris Bryant | |||
| Second Base | Javier Baez | Ben Zobrist | Tommy La Stella | ||
| Third Base | Kris Bryant | Javier Baez | |||
| Shortstop | Addison Russell | Javier Baez | |||
| Left Field | Ben Zobrist | Kyle Schwarber | |||
| Center Field | Albert Almora Jr. | Jason Heyward | Jon Jay | ||
| Right Field | Jason Heyward | Jon Jay | Kris Bryant | ||
| Starting Pitcher | Jake Arrieta | Jon Lester | Kyle Hendricks | John Lackey | Mike Montgomery |
| Relief Pitcher | Hector Rondon | Pedro Strop | Justin Grimm | Carl Edwards | Brett Anderson |
| Closer | Wade Davis | ||||
Projected Win Total: 95.5
World Series Odds: +300
Outlook
It makes sense to expect at least a moderate regression for a Chicago team that registered 103 regular season wins en route to the best record in baseball and a World Series title last season. However, the Cubs still have the talent to thrive not just in 2017 but for years to come. They’ve got a young core on the team that should only continue to improve. Chicago is well positioned to handle adversity with talent and depth across the board, and if they do run in to any issues, they could choose to address them at the trade deadline as they load up in an attempt at another championship run this coming season. They’re in good shape to win the NL Central and compete with everyone in the playoffs.
Prediction: 99-62
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