The Cubs (81-78) have now reached their final series of the 2024 season at Wrigley Field against the Reds this weekend. Cincinnati (76-83) has been a disappointment this year with another losing record, leading to the firing of manager David Bell on Sunday. With this matchup only counting for pride, I’m going to focus this preview on the North Siders.
If the Cubs take two of three in this set, they will finish with a record identical to the 83-79 mark they posted in 2023. The rest of the National League fared much better in 2024, leaving the Cubs much further from a playoff spot than they were last year.