It’s time to take a look at Cubs opponents for this year.
As I did last year, I’m going to write up this year’s “Know Your Enemy” series by division, as the Cubs are playing all 29 teams again with the new balanced schedule and sorry, but I’m not writing 29 of these articles.
In this series, I’m hoping to give everyone a general overview of the each team in the league, and when the Cubs will face them.
Cincinnati Reds
Key departures: Jakob Junis, Jonathan India, Joey Wiemer, Fernando Cruz
Key arrivals: Gavin Lux, Brady Singer, Jose Trevino, Wade Miley, Scott Barlow
The Reds also have a new manager who might make a difference. Terry Francona will record his 2,000th managerial win this year (he’s got 1,950) and has won three pennants and two World Series. Francona has had health issues, but is supposedly 100 percent for this year.
One key player to watch this year is Elly De La Cruz, who might be on the cusp of real stardom. He led MLB with 67 stolen bases last year — but also led with 218 strikeouts.
At Wrigley Field: May 30-31-June 1, Aug. 4-5-6
At Cincinnati: May 23-24-25, Sept. 18-19-20-21
Milwaukee Brewers
Key departures: Willy Adames, Wade Miley, Colin Rea, Gary Sanchez, Devin Williams
Key arrivals: Tyler Alexander, Grant Anderson, Nestor Cortes
The Brewers lost their starting shortstop and their closer. That alone could account for a few less wins for our neighbors to the north. But in some ways, they seem to have inherited the Cardinals’ pixie dust — look at this roster and tell me how that team won 93 games.
One reason, of course, is William Contreras. Who’d have thought, three or four years ago, that he’d be the better of the Contreras brothers?
At Wrigley Field: June 17-18-19, Aug. 18-19-20-21
At Milwaukee: May 2-3-4, July 28-29-30
This is exactly why I hate the balanced schedule. A key divisional rival doesn’t come to Wrigley until mid-June? And then the teams don’t play at all after mid-August?
Bring back the unbalanced schedule.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Key departures: Aroldis Chapman, Yasmani Grandal, Bryan De La Cruz, Connor Joe, Hunter Stratton, Luis Ortiz
Key arrivals: Peter Strzelecki, Spencer Horwitz, Emmanuel Valdez, Adam Frazier, Tim Mayza, Tommy Pham
Just look at those two lists. What is this team doing? They seem directionless. They lost 86 games last year and despite the presence of the steady Bryan Reynolds and the could-be-a-star Oneil Cruz, I think this is a 90+ loss team waiting to happen.
The real “key” acquisition here is Pham, who will probably be traded at the deadline, if he’s got anything left.
At Wrigley Field: June 12-13-14-15, Aug. 15-16-17
At Pittsburgh: Apr. 29-30-May 1, Sept. 15-16-17
Another divisional rival we won’t see at Wrigley until June. And playing in Pittsburgh in April almost always seems to bring rain.
St. Louis Cardinals
Key departures: Matt Carpenter, Paul Goldschmidt, Lance Lynn
Key arrivals: Nick Anderson
Sounds like Willson Contreras is the new Cardinals first baseman. That oughta be interesting.
And who knows, Nolan Arenado might be a “key departure” before Opening Day, as the Cardinals are desperately trying to trade him to anyone who will take him. The latest rumor again involves the Astros.
The Cardinals lost 91 games in 2023, then rebounded to win 83 last year. I think the 91 losses is closer to the talent level on this team.
At Wrigley Field: July 4-5-6, Sept. 26-27-28
At St. Louis: June 23-24-25-26, Aug. 8-9-10
Now this is … ridiculous. No games vs. the Cubs’ biggest rival until Game 79 — almost halfway through the season. Then 10 of the next 40 — and then not again until the last three games of the season.
PLEASE bring back the unbalanced schedule.
Tomorrow: NL East