Frequently Asked Questions
How are the 2022 Chicago Cubs doing after 40 games?
The Cubs are 16-24 through 40 games, tied for third place in the NL Central with the Pittsburgh Pirates. They trail the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 9.5 games.
Why is Willson Contreras the Cubs MVP through the first 40 games of 2022?
Contreras leads the team in OPS (.840) and runs scored (24) while posting a career-high walk rate and slashing his strikeout rate from 28.6% in 2021 to 20% in 2022. His hard-hit rate of 57.1% ranks in the 99th percentile of all hitters in baseball, and his average exit velocity ranks in the 95th percentile.
How has Seiya Suzuki performed in his first season with the Cubs?
Suzuki started on fire in April with a .279/.405/.529 slash line and a .934 OPS, but cooled off significantly in May, hitting just .207 with zero home runs and 22 strikeouts against only four walks. He still leads the team in doubles with 11 and is second in RBI with 19 through 40 games.
Who is Keegan Thompson and why has he been so important to the Cubs pitching staff?
Keegan Thompson is a versatile right-hander who has worked as both a starter and long reliever, posting a team-best 1.54 ERA across 35 innings in 10 appearances. He leads the Cubs in WAR at 2.0 and has held both righties and lefties to batting averages below .215.
How good has the Cubs bullpen been in 2022?
The Cubs bullpen has been one of the stronger units in baseball, ranking seventh-best in ERA across all of MLB. Six relievers have posted ERAs below 3.55, including Rowan Wick at 1.80, David Robertson at 1.88, Keegan Thompson at 1.54, and Scott Effross at 2.04.