Seven years after winning the 2016 World Series, the Chicago Cubs are once again in contention, led by shortstop Dansby Swanson and a solid core of players. After a few disappointing seasons, the Cubs have once again become a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
Swanson, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in a blockbuster trade in 2020, has been a key contributor in the Cubs’ resurgence. He’s emerged as one of the best shortstops in the game, both offensively and defensively. Swanson has already set a career high in home runs this season, and his play in the field has been nothing short of spectacular.
But Swanson is just one piece of the puzzle. The Cubs have a solid core of players who have helped the team return to relevance. First baseman Anthony Rizzo, third baseman Kris Bryant, and outfielder Kyle Schwarber have all contributed to the Cubs’ success this season. Pitchers Zach Davies and Kyle Hendricks have also been solid, posting ERAs of 2.73 and 3.77 respectively.
The Cubs’ success also comes from their depth. Players like Joc Pederson, Javier Baez, and Willson Contreras have all stepped up when needed. And the team’s bullpen has been exceptional, led by closer Craig Kimbrel.
But the Cubs’ success goes beyond just the players on the field. Manager David Ross, who was a part of the 2016 championship team as a player, has done an excellent job managing the group. His leadership has been key in keeping the team focused and motivated.
The Cubs’ resurgence has not gone unnoticed. They currently sit atop the NL Central division, with a record of 33-26. And while there’s still a long way to go in the season, the Cubs look like a team that could make some noise come playoff time.
Seven years after winning the World Series, the Cubs are once again a relevant team. Led by Dansby Swanson and a solid core of players, the Cubs have shown that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the league. And with their depth and strong leadership, they could very well be playing deep into October once again.
