Chicago Cubs, World Series Champions

For the first time since 1908, the Chicago Cubs have won the World Series. After falling behind 3-1 to the Cleveland Indians, three straight victories saw the Cubs come out on top. So, just who should this World Series victory be attributed to? Let’s go through and highlight a few different individuals.

Theo Epstein, President of Baseball Operations

Theo Epstein will go down in Chicago Cubs lore. Since coming over from the Boston Red Sox in 2011, Epstein has been a major part in the Cubs’ rebuilding process and championship run. Still only 42 years old, there isn’t much more that Theo Epstein can do in baseball.

Joe Maddon, Manager

While Epstein deserves the majority of the credit for constructing the Cubs’ roster, Maddon deserves a healthy dose of credit for his in game work. Responsible for adjusting the batting order, as well as changing pitchers, batters, fielders, runners, Joe Maddon has earned every bit of praise he’s received as manager this season.

Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, and John Lackey, Starting Pitchers

These four starting pitchers carried the Cubs through the playoffs. While Arrieta’s form was down slightly in comparison to the 2015, his supporting cast more than picked up the slack. Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester were nothing short of fantastic this season. John Lackey was probably the best fourth starting pitcher in baseball this season. Every championship team starts with quality starting pitchers; the Cubs have a handful.

Aroldis Chapman, Closer

Any man who can throw 104 miles per hour deserves to be recognized. Chapman, one of baseball’s most high powered arms, was a huge part of the Chicago Cubs’ postseason success after being traded from the Yankees. Chapman’s dominance in late game situations made the Cubs just that much harder to beat.

Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, 3B and 1B

Kris Bryant may well go down as one of the greatest baseball players to ever play. His strength and eye at the plate coupled with his quick reactions at the hot corner make him one of the top third baseman in baseball. Like Bryant, Rizzo has terrific strength at the plate. He also manages to maintain a fantastic batting average. These two players combine to form the top corner infield pair in all of the MLB, and both had a huge impact on the Cubs’ World Series run.

Javier Baez and Addison Russell, 2B and SS

Javier Baez and Addison Russell are a huge part of this Cub’s team. At just 23 years and 22 years respectively, these two young infielders played a monstrous role getting the Cubs to their first World Series victory since 1908. Both players were influential, providing a somewhat unexpected offensive spark late in the playoffs.

Kyle Schwarber, OF/DH

Kyle Schwarber ignited the Chicago Cubs. After tearing his ACL and LCL against the Arizona Diamondbacks early on in the season, Schwarber (who was initially thought to be out for the season) rehabbed and rehabbed to make himself available for the World Series. I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how crucial Kyle Schwarber’s return to baseball was.

The Chicago Cubs are World Series Champions.

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