CHICAGO — The echoes of 2016 are growing louder on the North Side of Chicago, and this time, the Chicago Cubs might just be crafting another historic ride. With the best start to a season since their unforgettable World Series run nearly a decade ago, the Cubs are once again electrifying Wrigley Field with a perfect storm of elite defense, youthful energy, and an exceptionally deep pitching staff.
At the heart of this resurgence is the team’s suffocating defensive play. The infield is vacuum-tight, with Dansby Swanson anchoring shortstop with Gold Glove precision and Nico Hoerner making every tough play at second look routine. Over at third, Christopher Morel has matured into a dependable defensive presence, while the outfield — bolstered by the arrival of Pete Crow-Armstrong — has become nearly impossible to beat over the top. Crow-Armstrong, who was heralded as the future face of the franchise, is proving the hype was real. His range, instincts, and fearless dives have already earned him the admiration of the Wrigley faithful, and his bat is beginning to show signs of becoming just as dangerous.
The Cubs’ defense isn’t just helping save runs — it’s enhancing the effectiveness of a pitching staff that has turned heads around the league. Justin Steele, Shōta Imanaga, and Jordan Wicks are forming a rotation that doesn’t just eat innings but dominates them. Imanaga, in particular, has dazzled in his transition from NPB to MLB, baffling hitters with his devastating splitter and pinpoint control. Steele continues to develop into a true ace, mixing power and finesse with increasing maturity. In the bullpen, Adbert Alzolay and Julian Merryweather are shutting down games with surgical precision, turning late-inning leads into foregone conclusions.
And let’s not overlook the spark the young core has brought to the team. Crow-Armstrong is just the tip of the iceberg. Matt Mervis is starting to heat up at the plate, and Alexander Canario has brought raw power and timely hits when it matters most. The Cubs are no longer just building for the future — they’re winning in the present, and their young stars are a big reason why.
Manager Craig Counsell deserves a major share of the credit. In his first year at the helm, Counsell has maximized matchups, kept the clubhouse loose but focused, and instilled a culture that blends patience with hunger. His steady hand and sharp baseball mind are already paying dividends, and his influence is showing up on both sides of the ball.
The comparisons to 2016 are inevitable — and increasingly justified. Like that championship team, the 2025 Cubs are showing a unique ability to win close games, come back late, and dominate when it matters most. They’re not just beating opponents; they’re outthinking them, outplaying them, and outlasting them.
With Wrigley Field alive and buzzing like it hasn’t in years, fans can feel it: something special is brewing. The North Side’s hunger for another title run has never left — and now, with a perfect blend of experience, emerging youth, and lights-out pitching, the Cubs are giving their fans every reason to believe