3 CHICAGO CUBS

O/U WINS: 78.5

KEY PLAYER: There was plenty of speculation over the offseason about a trade including Kris Bryant, but the Cubs hung on to their former MVP third baseman — for now, at least. While a deal may loom over his season, he’ll be trying to get back on track after a rough 2020. PLAYER WHO’LL NEED TO STEP UP: Javier Baez. Not only is the shortstop another Cub trying to put together a bounce-back season, after hitting .203 with a paltry 59 OPS-plus last year, he’s another pending free agent at a position that could be loaded with talent next offseason. NAME YOU’LL GET TO KNOW: Adbert Alzolay. The right-handed pitching prospect earned the fifth starter spot after posting a 2.95 ERA in six appearances last season.

BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: How do the Cubs handle the uncertainty surrounding the future of their core? Trade speculation will follow them into the season, especially if they get off to a slow start.

HOW IT’LL GO DOWN: The Cubs didn’t go full teardown this past offseason, though that possibility still lingers, with Anthony Rizzo, Bryant and Baez all entering walk years. And yet, the Cubs still have a shot to make some noise this year in a mediocre division, especially if those three pending free agents get their groove back, Ian Happ and Joc Pederson step up in the outfield and the rotation solidifies. If not, the Cubs could be in sell mode by the summer.

PROJECTED LINEUP CF Ian Happ

C Willson Contreras 1B Anthony Rizzo 3B Kris Bryant

LF Joc Pederson SS Javier Baez

RF Jason Heyward 2B David Bote

ROTATION

RHP Kyle Hendricks RHP Jake Arrieta RHP Zach Davies RHP Trevor Williams RHP Adbert Alzolay