Cubs fans are buzzing as their team rides a wave of momentum into June, and it’s clear that their consistent play is earning recognition far beyond the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Recently, MLB.com’s Will Leitch has placed the Cubs at an impressive number three in his power rankings, nestled between the Tigers and Dodgers at the top, with the Phillies and Mets trailing. One standout performance that seems to have energized the fan base is Ben Brown’s recent outing, which could serve as a spark for the team’s aspirations moving forward.
With six consecutive series victories under their belt, manager Craig Counsell has orchestrated a run that includes 14 wins in the last 18 games. Admittedly, several of these victories came against teams at the lower end of the standings—think Rockies, White Sox, and Marlins. But beware of “gotcha” games; these seemingly straightforward matchups can trip up even the most seasoned teams. So, what’s fueling this Cubs resurgence?
Let’s start with the offense. Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered an impressive May, racking up nine home runs, 29 RBIs, and showing off his speed with five stolen bases. Seiya Suzuki has also been a key contributor, reaching base in each of his last 16 games while joining “MVPete” at the top of the NL in RBIs. However, one of the critical aspects worth noting during this successful stretch has been the performance of the bullpen.
According to a recent Marquee broadcast, Cubs relievers have posted an eye-popping 0.96 ERA since May 14, which stands as the best mark in the league by nearly a full run. Sahadev Sharma from The Athletic has pointed out that this relief corps has been elite since April 19, maintaining a league-leading 2.44 ERA.
This success is the result of a collective team effort. Drew Pomeranz, in his return after a three-year hiatus, has impressively not allowed a run in 15 appearances. Daniel Palencia has been a reliable option, surrendering just two runs over his last 16 innings while stepping into the closer role during Porter Hodge’s absence. Chris Flexen has also shined, boasting a season-long shutout in eight appearances, often contributing in multi-inning stints. And let’s not overlook Brad Keller, who hasn’t given up a run since April 22 across his 17 outings, while Caleb Thielbar has also enjoyed a perfect month of May.
On the starting pitching front, Jameson Taillon is finding his stride after a challenging start to the season. He’s delivered six quality starts over his last seven outings, successfully bringing his ERA down to 3.76. What’s more impressive is his recent era at Wrigley, where he has a minuscule 1.74 ERA in 62 2/3 innings over his last ten starts dating back to last year, with 45 strikeouts and only 10 walks. Among qualified starters, he trails only Tarik Skubal for the lowest home ERA in the past two seasons. Interestingly, Skubal is scheduled to face the Cubs on June 6, which adds an intriguing subplot to their upcoming matchups.
Looking ahead, the Cubs have a challenging June on tap, featuring key matchups against formidable opponents like the Tigers, Phillies, and Mariners, as well as important divisional battles against Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and the up-and-coming Brewers. This stretch will serve as a critical test for the Cubs to solidify their place among the league’s elite and prove that their current ranking is more than just a product of favorable early-season play.
