The 2025 season didn’t exactly start like a dream for the Chicago Cubs. Playing halfway around the world in Japan, they lost two straight games to the Dodgers, scoring a total of four runs. But since returning stateside, something fundamental changed. The Cubs turned into a hitting machine overnight. That sudden surge in offense carried them through a challenging early schedule, setting the stage for a bold clubhouse claim.
Following a solid 6-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 19th, pitcher Ben Brown faced the media. A reporter inquired about the difficulty of pitching against Arizona’s highly praised lineup. Brown in response, said, “I believe we have the best lineup in the National League.” He further added confidently, “Our guys have just been doing an incredible job. I truly do believe we have one of the best, top-to-bottom, thorough, great offenses in baseball.”
Ben Brown’s confidence stemmed directly from the star power surrounding him. Team president Jed Hoyer had traded for outfielder Kyle Tucker during the offseason, and he quickly started delivering on his large expectations. He wasn’t just good; he was absolutely dominating the league, with an 186 wRC+. Tucker consistently delivered big hits and became one of the NL’s most feared batters.
But the offensive fireworks didn’t end there with Tucker. First baseman Michael Busch built impressively on his strong 2024 season. He was almost as good as Tucker, putting up a 180 wRC+ early on. Manager Craig Counsell mentioned Busch’s development, especially in hitting pitches better at the top of the zone. This improvement turned the heart of the Cubs’ order, regularly featuring Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Busch — a terrifying trio for opposing pitchers and made Brown’s “top-to-bottom” assertion seem very real.
Maybe the most significant factor behind Brown’s belief was the incredible production from the lower part of the order. The Cubs’ 7-8-9 hitters were particularly awful last season, early on. This year? Through 23 games, they had a collective 135 wRC+, the best mark in all of baseball. Pete Crow-Armstrong also flashed star potential, and the catching duo of Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya brought a surprising offensive punch. That depth meant no soft spots, constantly turning the lineup over and generating more opportunities for the big bats.
The Cubs’ high-octane offense: a season-long threat?
In 2025, while the bats were booming, the Cubs’ defense also made a gigantic leap forward. As of late April, the North Siders ranked second in MLB with +35 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). They also finished near the top in Outs Above Average (OAA). This ascent was anchored by Gold Glovers such as Kyle Tucker in right field and the terrific middle-infield combination of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Even Pete Crow-Armstrong’s elite center fielding helped, making the defense rock solid.
Brown’s declaration carried extra weight considering the opponent the Cubs had just tamed. The Diamondbacks came to Wrigley Field with one of the most dangerous offenses in the NL. But the Cubs’ lineup battered Arizona’s ace, Zac Gallen, early in the April 19th game. Kyle Tucker opened the scoring with a first-inning triple. Next, it was Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch going back-to-back in the second inning, quickly building a commanding 6-1 lead that silenced the D-backs’ bats.
That offensive support was essential from Brown’s perspective on the mound that day. But his performance was also remarkable. He battled through four innings, throwing 100 pitches and allowing just one run against that tough Arizona lineup. Not his most efficient outing, but alongside him, the bullpen, followed by Caleb Thielbar, Brad Keller, and Daniel Palencia, was also instrumental throughout the game. They collectively retired 15 consecutive Dbacks batters. Watching this formidable lineup feast upon the Dbacks lineup no doubt cemented Brown’s confidence.
Now the question is: Can this offensive powerhouse maintain its roar, proving Brown’s bold words true all season long?
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