Cubs vs Athletics Elite Baseball Prediction 3/31

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Chicago Cubs vs. Sacramento Athletics: A Statistical Showdown

As we look back at last season’s performance, the Chicago Cubs and Sacramento Athletics presented two very different stories on both sides of the ball. Let’s break down how each club fared in key statistical categories and what those numbers say about their overall trajectory heading into the new season.

🐻 Chicago Cubs: Offensive Consistency with Room to Grow

The Cubs’ offense ranked 12th in the majors, averaging 4.5 runs per game. They tallied 736 total runs, supported by a team on-base percentage of .317. The lineup showed decent pop with 253 doubles and 170 home runs, while driving in 696 runs off 1,318 hits. Overall, Chicago finished with a .242 team batting average and a slugging percentage of .393.

Plate discipline was a mixed bag—Cubs hitters drew 546 walks but struck out 1,362 times. The offense had its moments, but a more consistent approach at the plate could elevate them into the league’s upper tier.

⚾ Cubs Pitching: A Quiet Strength

On the mound, the Cubs held their own. The staff posted a collective ERA of 3.78—good for 10th in Major League Baseball. With a WHIP of 1.25 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.78, Chicago’s arms limited damage across the board. The pitching staff surrendered 181 home runs and 669 total runs, with only 602 of those earned.

Opponents managed just 8.2 hits per nine innings, and Cubs pitchers struck out 1,348 batters while walking 485. Their team FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) finished at 4.04, indicating solid underlying metrics.

🧱 Bullpen Breakdown

The bullpen saw mixed results. Chicago relievers converted 38 saves out of 64 chances, with a save percentage of 59.4%—ranking in the bottom third of the league. The pen logged 80 holds (21st in MLB) and allowed 31.8% of inherited runners to score. Cubs relievers were called into action 170 times in high-leverage situations and 141 times with runners on base, suggesting they faced plenty of pressure moments throughout the year.

🧤 Defensive Efficiency

Defensively, the Cubs were sharp, turning 91 double plays and finishing with a .987 fielding percentage—7th-best in the majors. Over 12,891 innings played, they converted 70.5% of balls in play into outs, ranking 8th in defensive efficiency.

🐘 Sacramento Athletics: A Power-Hitting Team with Pitching Woes

The Sacramento Athletics had no shortage of power, slugging 196 home runs and collecting 240 doubles. Despite this, they averaged just 3.97 runs per game—ranking 26th in the league. Sacramento’s offense struggled with consistency, recording a team batting average of .233 and an on-base percentage of just .301.

They struck out 1,502 times—fifth-most in baseball—while drawing 493 walks and producing 643 total runs on 1,267 hits.

🔥 Pitching Struggles

The Athletics’ pitching staff finished with a 4.37 ERA and ranked near the bottom in several key categories. They allowed 764 total runs, 698 of which were earned, and posted a WHIP of 1.333. Their team FIP was 4.22, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 7.90 (1,263 Ks to 530 walks).

Opposing hitters went deep 169 times, and Sacramento pitchers gave up 1,385 hits—placing them 25th in hits allowed. Their 4.79 runs allowed per nine innings ranked 24th in the league.

🔄 Bullpen Report

Sacramento’s bullpen was serviceable but far from elite. In 57 save opportunities, they converted 35 saves for a 61.4% success rate (20th in MLB). The pen recorded 101 holds and 22 blown saves across 161 total save situations.

With 243 inherited runners, Athletics relievers allowed 32.1% of them to score—another sign of the team’s struggles in tight spots. A total of 531 different relief appearances were made over the course of the year, showing heavy usage throughout the season.

🧢 Fielding Recap

Defensively, Sacramento committed 84 errors and posted a .985 fielding percentage (13th in MLB). They turned 142 double plays and recorded 1,360 assists and 4,310 putouts across 12,930 innings. Their defensive efficiency came in at 69.1%, ranking 22nd in the league.

🔍 Spotlight on Starting Pitchers

Chicago’s Jordan Brown made solid contributions in limited action. Over 55 innings, he notched 64 strikeouts and posted a 3.59 ERA with a WHIP of 1.089. He allowed just 41 hits and 19 walks, with an impressive FIP of 3.54.

Sacramento’s Estes has struggled more in his young career. With a 7–10 record, he owns a 5.18 ERA over 137 innings. Estes has surrendered 142 hits and 79 earned runs, though his WHIP of 1.246 and K/BB ratio of 3.41 offer signs of potential if he can limit hard contact.