David Banks - USA Today Sports
David Banks - USA Today Sports

MLB.com predicts third-place finish for 2023 Chicago Cubs


by - Senior Editor -

The Chicago Cubs should be a vastly improved squad for 2023.

They got a premier shortstop Dansby Swanson, former MVP Cody Bellinger, added slugger Trey Mancini, veteran Eric Hosmer and other pieces to improve their ballclub for the Cubbie faithful.

However, MLB.com is still skeptical that the Northsiders have what it takes to win the National League Central Division in 2023.

MLB.com's Will Leitch predicts that the Cubs will finish only .500 on the season with a third-place finish behind the Brewers and Cardinals.

"As many signings as there were, though, it's tough to argue the Cubs added any superstars, even including Swanson, who was clearly fourth among the big four shortstops to hit the market," Leitch said. "This offense is clearly better. But is it by better enough?"

"To contend this year -- and really for the next couple of years -- they need the Cardinals and Brewers to stumble, and they need to hope the Reds and Pirates don't make a run with their young players," Leitch wrote. "The Cubs have some good prospects coming, but they're hardly stacked like the Orioles. The Cubs have spent enough money this offseason to make it look like they are trying. But, you know, how hard?"

His prediction of the final standings:

Brewers: 88-74

Cardinals: 87-75

Cubs: 81-81

Pirates: 68-94

Reds: 66-96

What say you? Does he have it right? Or do you think the Cubs will do much better or worse this season?

Let us know in the comments. Cubs baseball is back in only eight days!

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