So far, the Cubs have had quite an excellent season with a record of 49-35. However, they slowed down significantly in June, finishing at exactly .500 with a record of 13-13. This marks the worst full month so far this season, considering the records (they finished 3-4 in March). Six out of the eight series they played in June were against teams above .500. They have not won a series against a team above .500 since April 23rd against the Dodgers. That is not a formula for a team to succeed in the playoffs. While they appear to be slowing down, how bad was June, and where are their problem areas?
Analyzing the Chicago Cubs .500 Record in June
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Even though the Cubs were the definition of average in June, there were still a lot of bright spots. For the first part of the month, they struggled with scoring as a whole. Their bats had cooled off, and they were not providing adequate run support. But beginning June 17th, when their series against the Brewers started, they have picked it up. Since then, they have averaged 5.8 runs per game, compared to only 3.7 runs per game in their first 14 games of June. It appears that they have finally brought their bats back to life, similar to the production at the beginning of the year. Additionally, their power numbers have increased dramatically. In June, the Cubs hit 45 home runs, which landed them first in MLB. They also slugged .442 this month, which puts them at fourth in MLB. They are utilizing the home run ball at an increased rate, which is valuable. As long as they can generate revenue through other means, they will be golden.
Another key component of the Cubs team that has continued to shine is their bullpen. In June, they posted a 2.44 ERA as a whole, which puts them 1st in MLB. They have been excellent all year and kept the teams in many close games. Some surprisingly good seasons have come from relievers Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen, Ryan Pressley, and more. Another area where they succeeded in June is on the basepaths. They rank 3rd in the league in stolen bases this year and put up 26 in June, which is tied for first. Furthermore, they put up the 7th-best OPS, 10th-best wOBA, and 11th-best wRC+ in June in MLB. While these aspects have kept them afloat, they have had one major problem area.
The Elephant in the Room
This season, the Cubs starting pitching has been a significant issue, and that continued into June. This month, they compiled a 4.87 ERA as a staff, which ranks 7th worst in MLB. There are several reasons for this subpar ERA. The main issue has been injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Justin Steele is out for the year, but Imanaga recently came back and pitched five scoreless innings in his return. The Cubs are glad to have him back, but injuries are not the only issue. Ben Brown has struggled mightily this season and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on June 24. Colin Rea came from the bullpen and held his own for a while as a starter. However, recently, his performance has not been as strong, as evidenced by his 6.53 ERA in his last four starts. These issues have left a need for resolution for the Cubs, so what are they going to do?
The Cubs front office has made it clear that they are going after pitching before the trade deadline. They have been connected to pitchers like Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, and Mitch Keller. Whether it comes this week or a day before the deadline, the Cubs will have a new pitcher in their rotation at some point. It has been a point of weakness all year that they are finally addressing.
Overall, there is no reason to worry, as there is plenty of good to look at, and the problems are being addressed. The fact that the Cubs’ “bad stretch” of baseball is still resulting in a .500 record is a good sign. If the Cubs trade for a solid starting pitcher, their July could look a whole lot different than their June.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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