Cubs receive encouraging report card grade amid stellar start to season
Context:
The Chicago Cubs have started the season strong, holding a 22-16 record and leading the Milwaukee Brewers by three games in their division. Star player Kyle Tucker is performing at an MVP level, leading the team in major offensive categories. The starting rotation, anchored by Shota Imanaga, is delivering encouraging performances. The team's blend of youthful talent and seasoned players has caught the attention of analysts, with Bleacher Report awarding them the only A+ grade among MLB teams. Despite their promising start, concerns remain about retaining key players and addressing pitching needs before the postseason, as they aim to end a four-year playoff drought.
Dive Deeper:
The Chicago Cubs have made an impressive start to the season, currently sitting at a 22-16 record and leading the Milwaukee Brewers by three games in their division standings.
Kyle Tucker, the team's star right fielder, is playing at an MVP level, leading the Cubs in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in, significantly contributing to their early success.
The starting pitching staff has been solid, with ace Shota Imanaga continuing his strong performance from the previous year, providing stability at the top of the rotation.
The Cubs are an intriguing mix of veteran experience and youthful talent, making them a legitimate contender in the National League, which has drawn attention from both the public and sports analysts.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly awarded the Cubs the only A+ grade among all MLB teams, highlighting concerns about retaining Kyle Tucker but praising the potential of players like Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The team is likely to seek a new starting pitcher to replace Justin Steele, and their promising start suggests a potential return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
Despite a strong start, the Cubs face challenges such as securing key players and addressing rotation needs, with their ultimate goal being to break a four-year playoff drought.
The Chicago Cubs are in a good spot, 38 games into the season. They currently sit at 22-16 overall and three games up on the second-place Milwaukee Brewers. Star right fielder Kyle Tucker is playing like an MVP candidate so far, leading the team in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in.
The starting pitching has also been encouraging so far, as ace Shota Imanaga has picked up where he left off in 2024. This team has an exciting mixture of experience and youth that can make it a true contender in the National League. And pundits and the general public are beginning to take notice. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly gave just one A+ in his report card grades for all 30 teams to this point. That honor was given to the Cubs with the following explanation:
“While you can't help but shake the concern that Tom Ricketts might not pony up to keep Kyle Tucker after this season, the three-time All-Star has been a tremendous addition,” Kelly writes. “Pete Crow-Armstrong also looks like a budding superstar who's got a chance to win a Platinum Glove in 2025.
The Cubs will probably need to take a significant swing on a starting pitcher to replace Justin Steele this summer, but their start makes you think they will likely play in the postseason for the first time since 2020.”
Overall, the season is just getting started, but the Cubs have a clear mission for 2025: to break their four-year playoff drought. So far, so good, but October is a long way away.
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