5 keys to Cubs’ 2021 success — or demise originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
As the Cubs open their National League Central title defense Thursday against the Pirates, it’s a salary-trimmed roster with 18 players in walk years that embarks on what looks like a crapshoot of a season.
Will a new-look, softer-tossing rotation perform well enough to provide an unproven bullpen with enough leads on enough days to keep them in the division race for six months?
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
Will a mostly returning lineup bounce back from its two-month team slump during the 2020 pandemic season?
Will they get off to at least a good enough start to keep the would-be buyers at the trade deadline at bay?
Here are the five keys to how the Cubs will win the division again …
Or sink in the worst division in baseball.
5 Cubs keys to 2021 success — or demise
Click here to subscribe to the Cubs Talk Podcast for free.
