ESPN writer comments on how to tell if the Cubs are serious contenders

The Chicago Cubs got off to an incredible start this season but have struggled in June.

Despite their recent struggles, the Cubs still have a two-game lead over the surging Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

Chicago’s dynamic offense has cooled off drastically in recent weeks and has struggled to hit left-handed pitching since the end of May.

Even worse, the starting rotation has been lackluster. Shota Imanaga dominated the St. Louis Cardinals in his first start since May 4, but without Justin Steele, this rotation is a mess.

Matthew Boyd has been lights-out and Jameson Taillon has been great for most of the season, but rookie Cade Horton showed growing pains against the Houston Astros on Friday and Colin Rea has been getting lit up over his last few starts.

Chicago is in desperate need of starting pitching upgrades but adding one or two bullpen arms wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

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ESPN’s Jesse Rogers commented on how to know how serious the Cubs are this season based on the closer role.

“You knew they were serious about the World Series [in 2016] when they went out and traded for Aroldis Chapman,” Rogers told Lance Brozdowski on the Cubs Weekly Podcast. “You’ll know really how serious the Cubs are in terms of going all the way, if they replace Palencia with someone better and more experienced. Because it feels like a little bit of a luxury right now the way Palencia is pitching to go out and get another closer.”

Daniel Palencia became the closer after Porter Hodge landed on the injured list on May 18. Palencia has pitched extremely well, but his lack of experience in that role and in the postseason may take the Cubs in a different direction.

Palencia, 25, is 0-2 with a 1.86 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in 27 appearances. He has converted eight out of nine save opportunities.

If the Cubs want to be serious contenders in 2025, all-around pitching upgrades will be a necessity.

More MLB: Blue Jays-Athletics trade proposal sends veteran lefty to Toronto