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5 biggest National League threats to Phillies' chances of reaching the World Series

Big moves were made in the National League this offseason, making the Phillies' road back to the World Series bumpy. Which NL teams will be the biggest hurdles for the Phillies to overcome this season?

By Shannon Finegan

The Philadelphia Phillies will be in tough to get back to the World Series against a loaded National League
The Philadelphia Phillies will be in tough to get back to the World Series against a loaded National League / Adam Hagy/GettyImages
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No. 4: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs also had a disappointing ending to 2023. They finished above .500, in second place in the NL Central, but just missed out on a Wild Card spot, keeping them out of the playoff picture. This year they are determined to improve.

The Cubs had a good offseason and are predicted to make the playoffs. They landed starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, ace pitcher from Japan, and right-hander Hector Neris. On top of that, the Cubs were able to re-sign stud outfielder Cody Bellinger to a three-year deal.

With the state of the NL Central, the Cubs can definitely put up a good fight and compete for the division. PECOTA has the Cubs finishing second in the NL Central, securing one of the Wild Card spots. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com predicts that the Cubs will make the playoffs in 2024 with new manager Craig Counsell at the helm. Counsell is a well-respected manager and is expected to make the most out of the Cubs' talented roster.

The Cubs are a very well-rounded team. Their rotation is dominant with pitchers like Imanaga, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon. The projected lineup is daunting from top to bottom and includes decorated and experienced bats like Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, and Christopher Morel.

The Cubs haven't made the playoffs since 2020, but they have all the tools and momentum to return this year. The Phillies have recently been able to handle the Cubs during the regular season, but it's not a lineup they'll want to face in October.

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