Consistent poor play has put the Cubs’ 2022 season in jeopardy only one month into the season. Through 26 games, the Cubs sit at 9-17 and fourth in the NL Central. The Cincinnati Reds sit behind them as they have only won four out of their first 27 games.
During a brutal stretch of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago White Sox, the Cubs have gone 2-8 and have lost four straight games.
The Cubs only have a few bright spots on the team, as only three consistent starters have an OPS above .800. Those three players include catcher Willson Contreras, left fielder Ian Happ, and right fielder Seiya Suzuki. The National League Rookie of the Month, Seiya Suzuki began the season strong, hitting numerous home runs, hitting the ball with power, and having an elite eye at the plate. During his historic first week as a Cub, the team saw a drastic increase in wins.
Once Suzuki cooled down, the team fell apart and are back to the old Cubs that fans saw before the 2015 season.
Both Ian Happ and Willson Contreras had hot streaks to open the season but went cold at similar points to Suzuki.
Despite the rough stretch, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Cubs. The team wasn’t expected to compete. The entire core that led the northside to the promised land is gone.
It’s a new era of Cubs baseball in Chicago.
The real question is, who will the Cubs build around during the next winning era? Suzuki is locked in with the Cubs for an extended period. The Cubs have a deep farm system, especially after retooling much of the core last season. Outfielder Brennen Davis and Pete Crow- Armstrong will join the ML roster this season as well.
Pieces in the farm system will be built around in the future. Many key players from this season will be shipped off come the trade deadline. That includes Willson Contreras.
More positives: the schedule gets easier after the next series against the San Diego Padres.
After the Cubs travel to Petco Park, they have an essential chance to gain momentum and get back to .500. The Cubs play 14 games in a row against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Reds, the easiest stretch of games this season.
If the Cubs hope to compete, this stretch of games is crucial.
Finally, the Cubs committed to David Ross long-term, as he’s in Chicago until at least 2024. The manager is vital to long-term success, and the Cubs believe they have their guy.
Jed Hoyer on David Ross as a manager in March 2022:
“David has done a fantastic job as manager. He’s learned a ton on the job. Even while learning, I think he’s excelled.”
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