Cubs Set To Begin Difficult Stretch
It’s been a solid start to the 2023 MLB season for the Chicago Cubs, and most would agree that they have been better than expected. The Cubs did have to deal with some tough teams out West, but there have also been some weak teams on the schedule.
Through the first 37 games of the season, the Cubs have gone 18-19 to put themselves in a good position in the NL Central Division. The playoff odds have continued to get better through the first few weeks, but things are going to get serious soon.
For fans that like to look ahead at the upcoming schedule, they will notice that the schedule for the rest of the month of May gets a bit more challenging. By the time that June 1 arrives, it will be much easier to figure out just how good this Cubs team will be.
Here is a look at some of the upcoming opponents for the Cubs in the rest of the month of May.
Rays Visiting Cubs to End Month
The difficult stretch begins with a nine-game road stretch against three of the better teams in the league. Chicago should have a chance to win some games in Minnesota against the Twins, but then the challenge gets more difficult.
The Cubs will head to Houston to take on the World Series champion Astros in what will be a battle. Chicago then heads straight to Philadelphia to take on Kyle Schwarber and the mighty Phillies.
The Cubs realistically need to find a way to win four out of five games during that stretch to just stay in the division race. A return to Wrigley awaits the team after that stretch, but there are big games there as well.
Chicago will welcome the New York Mets to town to begin the homestand, and that is a team that is expected to be in the playoff mix. The Cubs will finally catch a break after that series, though, as the lowly Cincinnati Reds will visit.
Fans at Wrigley Field will get a treat to end the month of May as the Tampa Bay Rays are heading to town. The Rays are currently the best team in baseball, and they just continue to find ways to win games.
Central Division is Wide Open
The St. Louis Cardinals were big betting favorites to win the NL Central Division before the season, but that is no longer the case. It’s been a miserable start for the Cardinals, and they currently find themselves buried in the standings.
The Milwaukee Brewers now look like the favorite in the division, but they are dealing with a ton of injuries. The Pittsburgh Pirates got off to a great start to the season, but it’s hard to imagine that they will remain on top.
There is a great opportunity in front of the Cubs, especially if they are able to navigate the difficult schedule in May. The front office should start to look at improving this team, and there is going to be talent available.
Next year is now in Chicago, and the Cubs need to make a run at trying to win the Central Division, as there is a chance to get that done.
