The Cubs lead the division at the all-star break. As constituted, they are clearly a better team than any other in the division (which isn’t saying they are guaranteed to win it). The primary reason for that is a completely dominant performance by the bottom of the lineup, by far the best squad in the National League and in the conversation for best in all of baseball. Though the position players are not without some disappointments, they have for the most part crushed preseason expectations.
Disappointments
It’s hard to imagine a more disappointing performance on the team than Anthony Rizzo, but that should tell you how great the performance has been this year.