Cubs Face Growing Pressure as Playoffs Approach
The Chicago Cubs have recently clinched a playoff berth, bringing an end to a five-year postseason drought. However, the excitement is tempered by their recent performance, which raises questions about their readiness for the playoffs. The Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds in their last series, and the results were less than encouraging, leading to discussions about their ranking on ESPN’s World Series Pressure Index.
Playoff Performance Under Scrutiny
Despite qualifying for the playoffs, the Cubs’ recent series against the Reds did not reflect the caliber typically associated with a postseason team. The Cubs were swept in a four-game series, further complicating their outlook as they prepare for the playoffs. This disappointing display prompted ESPN to rank the Cubs 11th in their World Series Pressure Index, one spot behind the Reds, who claimed the tenth position.
Understanding the Pressure Index
ESPN’s Pressure Index analyzes various factors, including “drought pressure,” “knock-knock pressure,” “flickering star pressure,” “exodus pressure,” and “father-time pressure.” It evaluates teams with at least a 5% chance of making the postseason, based on daily simulations. Leading the index is the Milwaukee Brewers, whose index of 109.5 reflects the weight of their long wait for a championship, with their last pennant won in 1982 and their last World Series victory in 1957.
Cubs’ Position in Context
With a pressure index of 99.2, the Cubs find themselves in a challenging spot, especially considering their recent playoff history. The team’s last postseason appearance before this year was in 2020, and they experienced significant success from 2016, when they won the World Series, through 2020. Expectations were high for this season, particularly after the addition of players like Kyle Tucker, who was expected to bolster their chances in the National League Central. However, the Cubs have yet to assert themselves as a serious contender, falling short of predictions that they would overtake the Brewers.
Diminishing Stars and Future Uncertainty
The pressure on the Cubs is further compounded by the looming uncertainty surrounding key players. Tucker, a potential free agent after this season, adds to the pressure index with his future uncertain. The Cubs’ index of 99.2 is only slightly lower than the Reds’ 101.2, indicating a tight race as both teams make their way into the playoffs.
Moreover, other teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, who have longer championship droughts, also rank higher on the pressure scale. The Phillies, for instance, hold a pressure index of 101.4, partly due to the impending free agency of several star players, including former Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber.
Expert Opinions on the Cubs’ Outlook
Analysts have expressed mixed feelings about the Cubs’ position. Bradford Doolittle highlighted the team’s journey, noting that they entered the season as favorites in the NL Central. While this season has seen a resurgence for the North Side team, a wild-card berth is seen as a positive step forward after four consecutive years without playoff baseball. However, the pressure remains palpable as expectations climb.
As the Cubs prepare for the postseason, the weight of their history, the performance of their players, and the looming uncertainty for the future will all play significant roles in determining how far they can advance in the playoffs.
