3) Not hitting with runners in scoring position
The playoff teams in the sport hit well with runners in scoring position (RISP). With OPS (on-base percentage and slugging percentage combined), 11 of the 12 playoff teams were in the top 15 with OPS with RISP.
Three of the four teams that didn’t make the playoffs that were in the top 15 were at .500 or above on the season.
The Cubs were 25th in OPS with RISP at .697. With RISP, the Cubs had the most strikeouts of any team, the second-most double plays, and the third-worst in batting average. One of the Cubs’ best players is outfielder Ian Happ but in 2022, he led all MLB players with runners left in scoring position with 75.
Coming up big in a big spot is crucial for team success but in 2022, the Cubs were one of the worst teams. To get to a playoff caliber, they have to be able to hit better with RISP.