There is One Way Chicago Cubs Can Turn 2023 Season Around

The Chicago Cubs have started playing their worst baseball to close the season, but there is one way that can turn it around and ensure they make the playoffs.

A couple weeks ago, it didn't seem like the Chicago Cubs had to worry about whether or not they would make the postseason.

They were comfortably in control of the second Wild Card spot with the rest of the teams behind them struggling to put together a string of good games.

That's completely flipped.

It's the Cubs who's lost their way, losing seven out of their last 10 games entering Thursday.

The good news is that they're still in the postseason.

The bad news is they can't afford to continue playing like this or else they'll be watching the playoffs from home for a third consecutive season.

But there is one way Chicago can turn their season around.

They need to pitch better.

In the last 15 days, the pitching staff ranks 18th in the MLB with an ERA of 4.64. They've given up 108 hits during their 109 2/3 innings pitched and have allowed opposing batters to hit .256 against them, seventh worst in this span.

The hitting isn't completely absolved from fault either as they've only averaged 4.15 runs per game over their last 15 as well.

However, out of all the teams above the Cubs in the National League playoff picture, only the Atlanta Braves are allowing more runs compared to runs scored during this period.

It's not a recipe for success this late in the year.

Winning baseball starts with the pitching staff and they need their rotation to get them out of this hole.

After being a Cy Young contender, Justin Steele has allowed six earned runs in back to back games. Rookies Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks have seen an uptick in their ERA after being excellent during the team's hot stretch. Veterans Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon need to start giving this team more.

And the bullpen needs to hold leads.

Marcus Stroman is back in the picture after returning from injury to give this staff another much needed arm. He should play a major role down the stretch.

If Chicago wants to turn their season around they need the pitching to improve now.