The Cubs have scored 124 runs this season, 17 more than the second-place Yankees, and their 121 team wRC+ is fifth overall. They’re walking more than all but three teams, striking out less than all but five, and their .176 ISO (raw power) ranks sixth as well. That’s pretty solid production from a unit relying largely on better health and bounceback from a number of players who were on the roster last year.
Jed Hoyer made several offseason roster upgrades, the most notable of which was acquiring right fielder Kyle Tucker, but the biggest relative boost to the lineup is coming from a spot not expected to produce much offense.