Why Can't The Chicago Cubs Get it Done?

The Chicago Cubs after a promising start to the season, now sit at 77-73 and are 5 games out of a wild card spot. Such a disappointing season for this team.

This team, with a great end of the season last year, looked like they had a lot of upside for this season. A solid off-season from Jed Hoyer had fans excited for the year with several new faces. The Cubs added All-Star rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga, minor league standout first baseman Michael Busch, closer Hector Neris and reliever Yency Almonte. Not a flashy off-season from our friends on the North Side but needed editions were added.

The Cubs came out of the gate hot starting 18-10 and even had first place in the NL Central at one point. After the first month of the season the bats cooled down significantly and the Cubs were in trouble. In May they went 10-18 and slipped in the standings. At the deadline Chicago shipped out a young promising talent in Christopher Morel, who was having a rough season, for all-star third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Cubs went on an 7 game win streak to try to salvage the season in August and went 18-8 in the month. They got as close as 3 games out of the last wildcard with Atlanta and New York in their way. Unfortunately for Chicago, this run wouldn't last the Cubs would go back to their losing ways. Barring a miracle, the season is over on the North Side.

What happened? A mix of a terrible bullpen and inconsistent bats have the held the Cubs back from seeing the playoffs the last two years. The lack of a closer on this team has really killed them. With 24 blown saves, the Cubs need to invest in a closer if they want a chance to even play in October.