Evaluating the Chicago Cubs' Season to Date (5/3)

It may be easy to see all of the exciting names on the Chicago Cubs' roster, though there are many underlying statistics that can be uncovered that display the story of the Cubs as a team so far this season. Many turn to the powerful bat of Patrick Wisdom, the exceptional contact skills of both Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, or maybe the stellar pitching from both Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele, but I believe the most interesting data can be found beyond what exists on the surface. ​Part of what has driven the Chicago Cubs to an above .500 record to this point in the season is simply their ability to reach base. The Cubs are second as a team in the entire MLB in batting average (.273) and also in team on base percentage (.345). Between these two points of data, it may be easy to understand where runs are being generated for the Cubs as they historically do not hit nearly as many home runs (17th last season) as the most powerful teams in the league. On the other side of the ball, Cubs pitchers have allowed the MLB's fourth best batting average against (.224), fifth best walks/hits per innings pitched (1.18), and Justin Steele holds a National League best earned run average (1.49). As of late, the downfall of the Chicago Cubs has been their ability to hit with runners in scoring position (runners on second or third). Last night (5/2/23) against the Nationals, the Cubs left a total of 22 players on base (based on individual at bats), 8 of which were in scoring position. Additionally, the Cubs bullpen has been struggling. Over the last ten games, the Cubs' bullpen has allowed an earned run average of 4.29. As the season progresses, look for the Cubs to continue to experience contact successes, a dynamic 1-2 punch on the mound, and potentially trade deadline moves for added bullpen help.