When the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, it appeared the Cubs were about to have a long reign atop the National League for several years after being out in the wilderness over the previous 100 years.
But looking at Chicago Cubs season odds will show that once the core started to fall apart, things went south quickly on the North Side. The Cubs are trying to find a way to have better MLB team stats to catch up to the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers in the MLB standings.
The Cubs won’t be expected to get back into the playoffs this season. Here are some odds and props on the Cubs this season.
Over/under and chances to make playoffs
The Cubs will see their over/under set at 78.5 games. Chicago Cubs odds show that they have been under the total for the past two seasons as they retool their franchise. Chicago is listed as +300 to make the playoffs, while they are priced at -435 to miss out on the postseason.
The Cubs currently have some questions on the back end of their bullpen. Chicago will rely on Adbert Alzolay, Brad Boxberger, Michael Fulmer. Brandon Hughes will also be counted on to try and bring home victories. When it comes to key offseason additions, the Cubs brought in shortstop Dansby Swanson and outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Swanson and Bellinger coming aboard will give Chicago more depth in a lineup that already features Trey Mancini, Yan Gomes, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki.
Cubs are still not seen as one of the division favorites
The National League Central only had one representative in the playoffs last season. The Brewers (+160) fell apart after a deadline traded midway through the season. They are allowing the defending champion Cardinals (-132) to win the division again. Chicago is once again caught in the middle.
The Cubs aren’t viewed as contenders for the crown, being priced at +600 to win the division, but also aren’t viewed as being in purgatory like the Cincinnati Reds (+6600) and Pittsburgh Pirates (+10000).
Swanson a distant longshot to win MVP
Swanson is listed at +8000 to win the NL MVP. Dansby Swanson played in all 162 games for the Atlanta Braves last season. Atlanta has a .277 batting average and hit 25 home runs with 96 RBIs. MLB odds show Swanson finished 12th in MVP voting last season and was a Gold Glove winner.
Anyone looking at Chicago Cubs season odds can see that it would take a Herculean effort for Swanson to win. He would likely need to exceed his stats from last season. Chicago would need to have a strong team record.
Cubs rotation has potential
Making Chicago Cubs season predictions will come down to how the pitching staff performs this season. Kyle Hendricks, who was 4-6 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.29 WHIP last season, is back in the top spot. Marcus Stroman, who was 6-7 with a .350 ERA in 25 starts, will be behind Hendricks.
Chicago also brought in former Yankees and Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon to fill in the third spot. Taillon finished with a career-high 14 wins last season. Taillon has a history of injury issues and inconsistency. Drew Smyly and Justin Steele will round out the rotation.
People making MLB picks won’t find any of these pitchers among the favorites to bring home the Cy Young Award.
Chicago in bottom half of MLB teams favored to win NL
The Cubs (+4500) are expected to be in the middle of the pack of the NL for those making MLB picks. Chicago will need a lot of things to break its way for the Cubs to challenge for a spot in the World Series. Chicago will need its rotation to be productive and stay healthy.
When it comes to Chicago Cubs season odds, they have shown progress over the last few seasons, but the arms race in the NL has heated up. The New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and other franchises are spending a lot of money to stay in the race. Chicago may have to add pieces at the deadline if the Cubs want to make a real run at making the playoffs.
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