Quick Hits: Cubs Second-Half Baserunning Ranks in Bottom Third of MLB

The Cubs ranked near the top of MLB in baserunning for most of the first half. Fueled by Javy Baez’s magic and Kris Bryant’s first-to-thirds, the team’s overall base running finished eighth best (BsR: 3.5) heading into the second half.

But injuries, acquisitions, and overly aggressive running endeavors have been costly for the Cubs. In the second half, the squad’s base running ranks 20th in MLB (BsR: -0.1) — in the bottom third of MLB.

If the Cubs are going to win in the postseason they’ll need to be more astute on the bases than they have been in the second half. A healthy Kris Bryant will certainly help.