Cubs Odds to Win World Series Surge
Aug 11, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant (17), infielder Anthony Rizzo (44), outfielder Ian Happ (8) and infielder Javier Baez (9) celebrate after closing out the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs are back! Now, according to some (including me) they’ve never really left. This team has shown many signs of being the absolute best team in the National League, and they have enough talent to push any of the American League teams in a best of four.
The Cubs surge in the standings has been recognized by many throughout the game, and this surge — along with the increased fundamental play — has increased their odds of winning the division and the World Series.
The Cubs playoff odds have surged on Baseball Prospectus:
96.6% to make playoffs
83% to win division
15.7% to win World SeriesThat WS% is 2nd in MLB behind only the Astros and ahead of the 3rd team (Dodgers) by almost 4 % points.
— WhoCanIJinxNext?CountTommy (@FullCountTommy) July 16, 2018
While it is only July, and there have been other teams that were virtual locks that didn’t make it in the past, we should feel very good about this team. Afterall, and like I’ve stated on many occasions; this is the best team in the National League.
Here’s some more proof:
MLB WAR – 1st (20.5)
MLB OBP – 1st (.345)
MLB Walks Per Game – 1st (3.92)
NL AVG – 1st (.265)
NL wRC+ – 1st (106)
NL Runs – 1st (476)
NL OPS – 1st (.771)
NL Team ERA – 2nd (3.56)
NL Reliever ERA – 2nd (3.09)
NL Run Differential – 1st (+114)
NL Hits Per Game – 1st (9.34)
Oh, and there’s the whole Cubs have a 152-77 record in the second half under Joe Maddon.
At this point, do you want to be the one who bets against the Cubs? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
