Various advanced stats websites, including Fangraphs, predict the Cubs will make a fourth straight playoff appearance
By James Neveau ••
The Chicago Cubs have never made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, but some of the foremost baseball experts are bullish on their chances to make history in 2018.
Fangraphs is currently projecting the Cubs to finish with a record of 97-65, the second-best record in all of baseball. That performance will be good enough to outpace the St. Louis Cardinals by seven games in the Central Division, according to the website, and would give the Cubs the best record in the National League.
Unfortunately for the White Sox, Fangraphs is not a fan of their chances this season, as they are projected to finish with the worst record in baseball at 64-98.
MLB
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Albert Almora Jr. #5 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Almora Jr.
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Peter Bourjos #13 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Peter Bourjos
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kris Bryant
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Victor Caratini #7 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Victor Caratini
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Tyler Chatwood #21 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Chatwood
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Steve Cishek #41 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Steve Cishek
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Willson Contreras
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Yu Darvish #11 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Yu Darvish
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Brian Duensing #32 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Duensing
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Mike Freeman #4 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Freeman
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Gimenez #53 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris Gimenez
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Justin Grimm #52 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Grimm
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ian Happ
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Hendricks
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jason Heyward
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Tommy La Stella #2 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tommy La Stella
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jon Lester
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Mike Montgomery #38 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Montgomery
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Brandon Morrow #15 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Morrow
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jose Quintana
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Rizzo
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Addison Russell
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Schwarber
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Drew Smyly #39 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Drew Smyly
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Pedro Strop #46 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pedro Strop
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Justin Wilson #37 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Wilson
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Zobrist
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Maddon
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Brandon Hyde #16 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Hyde
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Chili Davis poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chili Davis
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jim Hickey #48 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jim Hickey
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Will Venable #25 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Will Venable
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Brian Butterfield #55 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Butterfield
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Mike Borzello #58 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Borzello
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Lester Strode #35 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lester Strode
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Franklin Font #65 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Franklin Font
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Andy Haines #19 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andy Haines
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryne Sandberg
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Dario Alvarez #68 poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Alvarez
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Adbert Alzolay #73 poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Adbert Alzolay
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Bass #45 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Bass
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: David Bote #76 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Bote
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Craig Brooks #72 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** PLAYERNAME
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Charcer Burks #54 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Charcer Burks
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Eddie Butler #33 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eddie Butler
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Daniel Camarena #78 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Daniel Camarena
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ryan Court #66 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Court
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Taylor Davis #43 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Taylor Davis
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Oscar De La Cruz #71 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Oscar De La Cruz
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Luke Farrell #59 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Luke Farrell
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: David Garner #79 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Garner
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Justin Hancock #80 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Hancock
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Thomas Hatch #82 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Thomas Hatch
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Dillon Maples #36 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dillon Maples
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Cory Mazzoni #60 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cory Mazzoni
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Alec Mills #24 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alec Mills
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Efren Navarro #61 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Efren Navarro
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ian Rice #84 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ian Rice
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Randy Rosario #77 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Randy Rosario
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Michael Roth #51 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Roth
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Kyle Ryan #56 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Ryan
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Shae Simmons #57 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shae Simmons
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Ali Solis #64 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ali Solis
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jen-Ho Tseng #1 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jen-Ho Tseng
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Duane Underwood Jr. #74 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Duane Underwood Jr.
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jason Vosler #86 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jason Vosler
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Chesny Young #85 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chesny Young
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Zagunis #20 of the Chicago Cubs poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Zagunis
MLB Photos via Getty Images
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Rob Zastryzny #29 poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rob Zastryzny
As for Baseball Prospectus, they are less bullish on the Cubs, with a projected record of 91-71, but that is still the second-best record in the National League. It also puts them six games ahead of the Cardinals and seven games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Other websites agree with the Cubs as division favorites, as Rotochamp puts them at 95-67 for the 2018 season, and USA Today has the Cubs finishing at 92-70, with both websites saying they will win the division.
The Cubs are looking solid so far this spring, as they hold a 15-10 record in Cactus League play. That record is two games behind the Brewers, who are 16-7 in their spring slate.
