Chicago's baseball awakening has arrived as Cubs surge into summer

State of play: In what has been a stark turnaround from last year's unimpressive season, the Cubs currently occupy first place in the National League Central while hitting the cover off the ball.

• They lead the league in runs scored and runs batted in.

Even more impressive, the Cubs are winning even though their best pitchers are on the injured list.

Zoom out: If you have bought tickets to the ballpark this summer, here are the three jerseys you should consider purchasing:

#30 Kyle Tucker: The slugger came over in an offseason trade with Houston, and he's been spectacular. Tucker is in the running for NL MVP with 12 homers and 15 stolen bases. Fans are hoping the team will re-sign him.

#4 Pete Crow-Armstrong: The center fielder is fast. He's strong. He's passionate. And he's only 23. It feels like he is hitting homers and scoring runs every other day.

• He's not just a lock for an All-Star nod — he is also in the early NL MVP conversation.

#27 Seiya Suzuki: The Japanese sensation was on the trading block this offseason, but is quickly becoming one of the best hitters in the NL.

Reality check: It's still very early in the season, and the Cardinals are keeping pace in the division. Also, closer Ryan Pressly has already been removed from his role after subpar play.

• If the Cubs think they can compete for another World Series title, they will have to trade for a starting pitcher, as ace Justin Steele is out for the year with an elbow injury, and Shota Imanaga is dealing with a hamstring issue.
• Good news: The farm system is one of the best in baseball.

The bottom line: Too bad the rumors about the MLB All-Star Game coming to Wrigley Field are for 2027, because this year's team will most likely have multiple representatives.