The Chicago Cubs proved that they are the team to beat after they upset the St. Louis Cardinals, so eliminating the New York Mets should not be a problem for them.
The Chicago Cubs shocked the baseball world by knocking off the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series, and they are now the favorites to win the World Series. They will take on the New York Mets next in the National League Championship Series. They are primed to reach the World Series with a talented pitching staff and young lineup.
Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta finished the regular season strongly and emerged as a frontrunner to win the National League Cy Young award. He has carried his success into the postseason while Jon Lester and other pitchers have stepped up right behind him.
The Mets will not be easy to knock out, though. The National League East champions prevailed as underdogs over the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. They stunned the Dodgers in the series finale at Dodger Stadium. The Mets carry a strong rotation of their own with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey leading the way while All-Star closer Jeurys Familia leads their bullpen.
Despite the Mets’ strong pitching and improved hitting, the Cubs have a hot and ready team that will be too much for the Mets.
Here are five reasons why the Cubs are primed to reach their first World Series since 1945.
Next: 5. Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester