Cubs will 'always have a chance' to win the World Series if they avoid one mistake

The Chicago Cubs are fighting with the Philadelphia Phillies for the No. 4 seed in the National League, which is the top spot in the NL Wild Card and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Amid this fierce competition, which is heading towards the final few weeks of play, one American League executive shared a very strong belief in the Cubs.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers shared that one AL executive believes the Cubs "will always have a chance" to win a World Series, so long as they avoid one simple mistake: giving up home runs.

Cubs have a chance to win World Series if they don't give up home runs

"I'll take the Cubs," an AL executive said. "First in offense, first in defense, and a No. 1-type starter in Clay Holmes. I know they just had bullpen problems, but as long as they keep the ball in the park, the Cubs will always have a chance."

The Cubs have an elite offense and defense, led by Pete Crow-Armstrong in both categories. He is the likely NL MVP this season, but there's only so much he can do on his own for the Cubs' postseason chances.

Fortunately, at least in the eyes of this AL executive, the Cubs are a legitimate title contender so long as they avoid giving up the long ball.

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Clay Holmes is a good starter, and there are plenty of other intriguing pitchers on the staff in Chicago. But if come the postseason this rotation and bullpen allow too many home runs, it might prove difficult to make it deep into October.

Limiting home runs is easier said than done, especially considering Shota Imanaga has given up the most home runs in MLB, tied with Aaron Nola.

This Cubs' pitching staff could be the team's Achilles' heel come the postseason. But if they can at least keep the ball in the ballpark, their elite defense and high-octane offense might be enough to spark a deep postseason run.

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