Our MLB 2015 Predictions Simulation From MLB 15: The Show

Chicago Cubs

The second-best pitching squad in the league belongs to the Cubs this year. No wonder Joe Maddon wanted to negotiate to work there while still under contract with the Rays! (allegedly) Either way, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Travis Wood and Jason Hammel all sport a 3.00 ERA or below, 3 complete games each, 210+ innings pitched and 156 strikeouts or more. They also each gave up at least 25 home runs, which should ratchet their xFIP up a notch. Additionally, the Cubs blew 20 of their 70 save opportunities, which goes to show that you can frontload your pitching staff all you want, but they can’t all pitch complete games.

Anthony Rizzo had an impressive year, with 27 HR, 83 RBI, .797 OPS and .455 slugging percentage. Unfortunately, that .797 OPS is the team’s ceiling, with the likes of Tommy LaStella, Jorge Soller, Starlin Castro, Chris Denorfia and Jonathan Herrera all hovering in the .650 range and lower. At least Dexter Fowler stole a ton of bases, doubled 28 times and scored 72 runs. Perhaps Kris Bryant’s eventual cup of coffee in AAA will be deserved, too, as his .242/.303/.389 slash line doesn’t seem too deserving. Getting injured mid-way through the season didn’t help, either.

Next: Milwaukee Brewers