The Chicago Cubs are absolutely on fire right now, riding a five-game winning streak and taking five of six from the Padres and Diamondbacks. With 15 wins in their last 18 games, the North Siders enter this week’s pivotal series against the second-place Cincinnati Reds holding a two-game lead atop the NL Central. Here’s a look at who’s heating up and who’s cooling off as the Cubs keep rolling.
🔥 Ian Happ: On-Base Machine
Ian Happ continues to be the engine of the Cubs’ lineup. Over the past week, he slashed an impressive .316/.519/.684, going 6-for-19 with two doubles, a triple, a home run, and seven walks. That .519 on-base percentage is elite, and he’s now riding a career-high 24-game on-base streak. For the season, Happ leads the Cubs in home runs (8), walks (24), and runs scored (25)—a true catalyst at the top of the order.
🔥 Shōta Imanaga: Dominant on the Mound
Shōta Imanaga made just one start this past week, but it was another gem. The lefty held the Diamondbacks scoreless over seven innings on Saturday, scattering four hits and one walk while striking out five. What’s been most impressive? He’s allowed only three home runs in 41.1 innings this season, and no more than one in any of his seven starts. His 0.847 WHIP ranks second in the National League, trailing only Tyler Glasnow (0.824). That’s ace-level consistency.
🔥 Ben Brown: High-Leverage Weapon
Ben Brown has embraced his role as a multi-inning reliever under manager Craig Counsell, and the results have been outstanding. Over the past week, he tossed 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three baserunners out of 19 batters faced—and only one unearned run. In San Diego on Wednesday, he recorded five outs on just 11 pitches, including a key double-play ball that shut down a rally. Brown is becoming a go-to arm in tight spots.
👏 Carson Kelly: Quietly Productive
A tip of the cap to Carson Kelly, who is putting together a fine season behind the plate. His weird pop-fly RBI single on Friday turned out to be a crucial run—proof that sometimes, it’s not about how you hit, but when.
👏 Michael Busch: Showing Signs of Life
Michael Busch has shown flashes of breaking out of his early-season slump, giving Cubs fans reason for optimism. If he can find his groove, this lineup gets even deeper.
❄️ Alex Bregman: Still Searching for Power
Alex Bregman had a two-hit game last week—both coming after he entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. But overall, he batted just .190/.320/.238 (4-for-21) and hasn’t shown much pop this year (four doubles, a triple, three homers in 136 at-bats). He’s drawing walks (18), which helps, but the Cubs need more production from the veteran infielder as the season heats up.
The Cubs are playing their best baseball of the season, and the energy around Wrigley Field is electric. With the Reds coming to town, this series could set the tone for the rest of the month. Stay locked in, Cubs fans—this team is just getting started.