Kansas City Royals vs Chi. Cubs Cubs Picks and Predictions July 26th 2024

Cubs Look for a Comeback in Series Against Royals

The Chicago Cubs are on the hunt for some offensive firepower as they kick off a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. After a lackluster six-game homestand where they couldn’t muster more than three runs in any game, the Cubs are eager to turn things around on their first road trip since the All-Star break.

Cubs’ Offensive Struggles

The Cubs have been struggling at the plate, and it’s showing in their recent performance. They dropped two out of three games to both the Arizona Diamondbacks and their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers—a tough blow for a team trying to stay in the wild-card race.

They left 22 runners stranded and went 3-for-19 with runners in scoring position against the Brewers, highlighting their difficulties.

Recent Slump

Despite a brief five-game winning streak where they scored at least four runs per game, the Cubs have since faltered, losing six of their last nine games and failing to secure a series win. This slump has dropped them three games below .500, further distancing them from a wild-card spot.

Cody Bellinger’s Potential Return

A big storyline for the Cubs is the potential return of Cody Bellinger. He’s been out with a non-displaced fracture in his left middle finger but has recently resumed workouts. Bellinger’s return, even as a designated hitter initially, could provide the offensive spark the Cubs desperately need.

Pitching Matchup for the Opener

The series opener features a pitching duel between right-handers Kyle Hendricks (2-8, 6.69 ERA) and Brady Singer (6-6, 3.00 ERA). Hendricks has had success against the Royals, with a 1.40 ERA over three career starts. On the other hand, Singer has struggled against the Cubs, sporting an 8.31 ERA in two starts, including a rough outing where he gave up six runs (four earned) over 3 2/3 innings.

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Royals’ New Talent: Jac Caglianone

The Royals, meanwhile, have added some future talent by signing Jac Caglianone, their 2024 first-round draft pick. Caglianone, a standout two-way player in college, won the 2024 John Olerud Award. He hit an impressive .419 with 35 homers in 66 games and also pitched to a 4.76 ERA in 16 starts. While the Royals are initially focusing on his hitting, they see potential in his pitching skills as well.

Conclusion

For the Cubs, this series against the Royals is a pivotal moment. The potential boost from Cody Bellinger’s return and a favorable pitching matchup could be just what they need to get back on track. Meanwhile, the Royals are looking ahead, with young talent like Caglianone poised to make an impact in the future.

The outcome of this series could have a significant impact on the Cubs’ playoff hopes, making these games crucial for their season’s trajectory.