In his midseason awards column for USA Today, Bob Nightengale distributed several accolades, but unfortunately labeled the Cubs with an unwanted distinction: the National League’s “Biggest Disappointment.”
Nightengale highlighted the Cubs’ substantial expenditures and their success with rookie standout Shota Imanaga, yet lamented their current last-place position. According to Nightengale, the team’s sole statistical lead is in players caught stealing, tallying 35 so far.
As the Cubs reached the halfway point of their season and suffered a defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers last Sunday, they found themselves entrenched in the division’s cellar, trailing by 11.5 games and holding a record seven games below .500.
Although they remain just five games behind the third National League wild card, currently held by the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs would need to surpass seven other teams to secure that spot, illustrating the competitiveness in the league this season.
The primary cause of their struggles has been their feeble offense, exemplified by only two players batting above .250 among qualifiers. Christopher Morel, their top home run hitter, has a paltry .198 batting average for the season. Even their high-profile free agent acquisition from the 2023 offseason, Dansby Swanson, continues to struggle with a .217 batting average, eight home runs, and 77 strikeouts.
Despite promising performances, such as Justin Steele’s 3.20 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 70 innings across 12 starts without a win credited to him, the Cubs face challenges. Hector Neris, who shares the team lead with seven wins, carries a 4.25 ERA and has blown four saves in 15 opportunities, adding to the Cubs’ woes this season.
