Fansided

5 reasons the Chicago Cubs can win it all in 2015

By Josh Criswell

Aug 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Cubs celebrate their victory at Wrigley Field. The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Cubs celebrate their victory at Wrigley Field. The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Their talented rookies are playing like seasoned veterans

Of all the playoff contenders in Major League Baseball, it would be difficult to find more young talent than on the Chicago Cubs roster.

Four rookies, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell and Kris Bryant, are entrenched in the starting lineup. And although each has had his struggles this season, all four players have also experienced success. Most importantly, none appear to be shaken by the big stage.

Bryant may strike out at a disturbing rate, and he is just emerging from a terrible slump, but he is also a home run threat every time he steps into the batter’s box. He currently has 16 bombs on the season, as well as 12 stolen bases.

Soler and Russell both got off to slow starts to the 2015 season, but they have since rebounded. After allowing his batting average to drop to .226 last month, Russell has been hitting .261 over the course of the past four weeks. In addition, his 1.3 defensive WAR is tied for the fifth-best among all shortstops. Meanwhile, Soler has bounced back from a .247 batting average to start the season and is currently on hot streak, and brought his average up to a respectable .270.

The biggest surprise has without a doubt been Schwarber. The 22-year old slugger is hitting .313 with a .400 on-base percentage to start his MLB career. Even more impressive, he has recorded eight home runs and 27 RBI in just 34 games. Adjusted for a 162-game season, he would be on pace for a 38-home run, 129-RBI performance.

Most times, a plethora of rookies would be the downfall of a team in the postseason. Fortunately for the Cubs, these young players are not your average rookies.

Next: Anthony Rizzo

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