The Chicago Cubs have taken the baseball world by storm in the early stages of the 2025 season, charging out of the gate with an energy and confidence that few saw coming. Sitting atop the NL Central standings, the Cubs are rewriting expectations and proving that this year’s club is a legitimate contender.
From their electric offense to a retooled and surprisingly dominant pitching staff, the Cubs have found a rhythm that has them not only leading the division but doing so with authority. With series wins over division rivals like the Cardinals and Brewers, and impressive performances against NL juggernauts such as the Braves and Padres, the Cubs have shown they are no fluke. Their current record speaks volumes, and so does the attitude in the clubhouse.
This strong start can be traced back to an offseason full of smart, measured decisions. While they didn’t land the flashiest free agents, the Cubs focused on roster balance and depth, which has paid immediate dividends. Cody Bellinger has returned to his MVP-caliber form, hammering extra-base hits and playing Gold Glove-level defense in center field. Meanwhile, Seiya Suzuki’s emergence as a consistent offensive weapon has added another layer of firepower to the lineup. Veteran leadership has meshed seamlessly with emerging young talent, creating a clubhouse culture built on accountability and belief.
On the mound, the Cubs’ starting rotation has gone from question mark to reliable asset. Justin Steele has stepped into the ace role with poise and precision, while youngsters like Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad have delivered surprising consistency. The bullpen, long a source of stress for Cubs fans, has turned into a weapon thanks to the resurgence of veterans and the arrival of key arms like Ben Brown and Adbert Alzolay shutting things down late in games.
The fan base at Wrigley Field has been electrified, with the atmosphere in the Friendly Confines resembling playoff intensity on a nightly basis. With attendance numbers climbing and fans buzzing about October baseball, the Cubs are fueling dreams of a deep postseason run. And unlike previous years where optimism was often tinged with skepticism, there is a real sense that this team has staying power.
Manager Craig Counsell’s influence cannot be overstated. His calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and player-friendly approach have made a significant difference. Counsell has managed lineups and pitching matchups with confidence, squeezing every bit of potential out of this roster. The players believe in him, and the results are showing.
While the road ahead in the NL Central is never easy, the Cubs have established themselves as the team to beat. If they can stay healthy and continue playing this brand of aggressive, inspired baseball, the rest of the league better take notice. October may still be months away, but on the North Side of Chicago, the excitement is very real.