Cubs takeaways: Why the offense is better, Busch's defense and Crow-Armstrong's base running

Despite not reaching a .500 record, the Chicago Cubs have made strides in their performance. While still three games out of a playoff spot, the team’s offense has improved significantly recently with contributions from multiple players. The addition of Isaac Paredes has helped, but it’s not the sole reason for the offensive consistency. The 7-8-9 hitters have seen a major improvement in their performance, resulting in an increase in runs scored.

Another notable improvement is the stellar defense from Michael Busch at first base. His ability to pick balls in the dirt and display range has significantly improved, making him an asset to the team. Busch’s defensive prowess is evident in the defensive runs saved metric, where he currently ranks first among first basemen.

Additionally, Pete Crow-Armstrong has shown growth in his base-running skills. He has improved his study practices and partnered with Mike Napoli to enhance his performance on the basepaths. Crow-Armstrong’s speed, combined with his dedication to learning, has made him a successful base stealer.