Playoffs start at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, September 30!

[Morbius]

12. There's reason to hope the Cubs can advance to round two.

Their opponent, almost certainly, is the San Diego Padres. Like every other team, the Padres are a better home team than a road team. Their road record is 38-43. Cubs have the first two games at home.

The Cubs endured a long offensive drought this season, and for some of the players, it seems to be over. Pete Crow-Armstrong has looked good for the last couple weeks. After months of being the teams designated "misser", Seiya Suzuki looks hot right now. If Tucker is healthy he's a huge asset. This is why they traded for him. Since the All-Star break, Matt Shaw has hit .321. Niko Hoerner is the 2nd best hitter for average in the league. And Michael Busch is absolutely on fire right now. The pitching has been good. Not great, but good. And if the offense is there, they can beat a Padres team which isn't very good on the road.

The second series, against the Phillies? A different matter. But I think it is possible the Cubs can win the first series. On the other hand, the Padres bullpen is legit, so it is also possible the Cubs will manage just three hits in losing two straight. There's hope, but I wouldn't bet the rent.