Dansby Swanson is Key for Chicago Cubs Playoff Push

The Chicago Cubs lost a series against the reeling New York Mets that put a damper on their hot run of play that had them knocking on the door of the playoffs.

As it stands on Thursday, they trail the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead by two-and-a-half games and sit a half game outside of the final Wild Card spot.

They'll begin a big weekend road series against the Toronto Blue Jays starting Friday. That coincides with the Brewers starting their own road weekend series against the struggling Chicago White Sox.

It's an important weekend for the Cubs as they continue trying to get themselves into playoff position.

The key to getting into the postseason could be on the shoulders of Dansby Swanson.

MLB.com writer Will Leitch thinks the shortstop's MVP level play this season could be the difference maker.

"It turns out the Cubs knew what they were doing, waiting out the market to bring in Swanson, who not only has been the best shortstop in the National League this year but might just end up in the top five of MVP voting," Leitch wrote.

Through 101 games, Swanson is hitting .256/.339/.444 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI. Those are very solid numbers in his first season at Wrigley Field compared to the hitter friendly Atlanta Braves stadium.

He's been slumping recently with a batting average of .167 and on-base percentage of .233 over the last 15 games. However, he's picked up his power numbers during this stretch with a slugging percentage of .481 and five home runs.

Getting their shortstop back to form will be a major key for the Chicago playoff push down the stretch.