Cubs vs. Nationals NLDS Game 5: 3 X-factors for Chicago

2. Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant is the reigning National League MVP and is clearly one of the best players in the entire game. His offensive ability is elite and he is a weapon against any pitcher on the mound. That being said, Bryant did not look like an elite player in Game 4. Actually, he didn’t really look like he belonged on the field.

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Bryant struck out on all four of his at-bats on Wednesday, the first three against the Strasburg and the last against Ryan Madson. Strasburg had Bryant fooled all night, using his fastball and changeup to dominate the big third baseman over and over again.

However, to be fair, none of the Cubs hitters did damage against Strasburg. Sure, Bryant was terrible, but Strasburg was on another level on Wednesday. Bryant should have more of a chance to make an impact regardless of who is on the mound for Washington.

Maddon has an impressive stock of position player talent at his disposal. However, Chicago is not going to reach its offensive potential when Bryant hits like that. Simply put, he and Rizzo are the most important offensive players on this team. Rizzo has hit well during the entire NLDS, so there is probably not much to worry about there. However, if the Cubs are going to win in Game 5, Bryant needs to put his ugly Game 4 performance behind him.

Make no mistake about it, superstar Kris Bryant is a major x-factor in Game 5. If he struggles mightily again, it is hard to see the North Siders coming away with a victory.