Former MLB Executive Predicts Two Cubs Will Win Awards

A former MLB executive believes that the Chicago Cubs manager and star outfielder should be bringing in awards at the end of the season.

A few months into the season, it was looking like another disappointing year for the Chicago Cubs.

They were under .500 from May 13 - July 26 and were squarely on the outside of the playoff picture.

Entering the final games of the regular season, their turnaround has them on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

That has not been lost on a former MLB executive who thinks that two members of the Cubs should bring home awards after the season.

Jim Bowden put out his early awards predictions for The Athletic.

He has David Ross winning National League Manager of the Year and Cody Bellinger winning National League Comeback Player of the Year.

Their star outfielder has been one of the best signings of the past offseason, recording a 4.0 WAR and become the team's best hitter.

Bowden writes, "He’s a key reason Chicago is in the hunt for a wild-card spot. Bellinger, 28, is an impending free agent and couldn’t have had a better season before going back on the open market."

Bellinger has slashed .310/.354/.537 with 26 home runs and 94 RBI in his first season with Chicago. He'll be a major priority for the front office to re-sign during free agency, when he likely will command a big contract.

Ross wasn't quite as much of an easy decision for Bowden when putting together his ballot.

"This was one of the most difficult decisions on my awards ballot. David Bell of the Reds, Skip Schumaker of the Marlins and Torey Lovullo of the Diamondbacks had strong seasons and all were given serious consideration," he wrote.

Ultimately, he landed on the Cubs' manager because he led his team from below .500 into contending for a Wild Card spot.

For Ross to win the award, he'll likely have to make the postseason.