Fansided

Here’s how every MLB team will finish in 2018

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado /
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MARYVALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 23: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Maryvale Baseball Park in Maryvale, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MARYVALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 23: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Maryvale Baseball Park in Maryvale, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: 94.5 wins

  • Baseball Prospectus: 92 wins
  • FanGraphs: 94 wins

The Cubs suffered through a World Series hangover for the entire first half last season and left an opening for the Milwaukee Brewers, who were able to spend a significant portion of the year in first place before the Cubs eventually pulled away for good in August. It might have been a down year for Chicago, but they still won 92 games.

Chicago has built an even more complete roster this winter with the addition of Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood to a strong rotation. Darvish may have come at a higher price than former Cub Jake Arrieta, but he will be worth it. Chatwood, who put up frontline numbers on the road as a member of the Rockies, looks set to have a strong season at sea level.

Offensively, the Cubs should be even better this year than last year’s lineup that scored 802 runs and finished second in the National League. Kyle Schwarber has made over his body and should finally capitalize on his 40-homer potential. Ian Happ will also start the year in the big leagues and will continue to build on his 24-homer rookie season.

Conclusion: The Cubs may have lost in the NLCS last year, but they must still be viewed as the team to beat in the National League this year. Ninety-five wins to hit the over is a high number, but this looks like a 100-win team on paper.

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