Frequently Asked Questions
How can the Chicago Cubs make the playoffs in 2022?
The Cubs have three main paths to the postseason: a shortened season that hides their roster holes, an expanded playoff field that lets them sneak in as a lower seed, and key individual performances from players like Marcus Stroman, Kyle Hendricks, and Ian Happ. A reduced schedule and more playoff spots would both work in Chicago's favor given their current roster depth. None of these paths are guaranteed, but each one is realistic.
Why did the Cubs sign Marcus Stroman and what does he bring to the rotation?
The Cubs signed Stroman to a three-year deal worth just over $70 million before the 2021-22 lockout. He brings durability — tying for the MLB lead with 33 starts in 2021 — along with a 3.63 career ERA, a Gold Glove, and a top-10 Cy Young finish. His 50.8% groundball rate is especially valuable for a Cubs team that surrendered 235 home runs in 2021, the fourth-most in baseball.
What happened to Kyle Hendricks in 2021 and can he bounce back?
Hendricks posted a career-worst 4.77 ERA and allowed 200 hits, the most of any pitcher in baseball. However, his average exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and line-drive percentage were at or below career norms, suggesting bad luck played a role. His career ERA of 3.36 ranks 12th among active starters, giving Cubs fans reason to expect a rebound in 2022.
How would an expanded MLB playoff field help the Chicago Cubs?
If the new CBA expands the playoff field from 10 to 12 or even 14 teams, the Cubs could potentially sneak in as a sixth or seventh seed by playing just over .500 baseball. With only 15 teams in each league, being the sixth or seventh best team in the National League is not out of the question for Chicago. More playoff spots simply means a lower bar to clear.
Why would a shortened 2022 MLB season benefit the Cubs?
A shorter schedule, somewhere around 140–145 games, would allow the Cubs to hide the holes in their roster and depth that typically get exposed over a full 162-game grind. The traditional marathon season tends to weed out teams without star power, and the Cubs currently lack both depth and elite talent. A shorter race gives them a better chance to stay competitive long enough to contend.