The Chicago Cubs are determined to accomplish several milestones in the 2025 season, with the aim of not only making the postseason but also restoring a significant offensive achievement that has eluded them for several seasons. One key target is to have a player reach the coveted milestone of 100 or more RBIs. The last time a Cubs player achieved this feat was in 2018, when both Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo drove in over 100 runs.
Such a prolonged drought is unusual for long-time Cubs supporters, who have witnessed prolific hitters like Sammy Sosa, Aramis Ramirez, and Derrek Lee consistently surpass the 100-RBI threshold. Even during the Cubs’ successful World Series runs from 2015 to 2018, players like Rizzo and Baez were able to drive in significant runs. However, the team’s recent struggles, highlighted by injuries, a shortened COVID season, and trades that dismantled key offensive components, have contributed to this current situation.
In recent seasons, the Cubs have come close to breaking this streak. Notable near-misses include Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber, who had 94 and 92 RBIs, respectively, in 2019, and Cody Bellinger’s 97 RBIs in 2023. The causes for falling short vary, but they often stem from limited opportunities due to inconsistent offensive production.
Looking forward, the 2025 Cubs possess a promising lineup with several candidates who could potentially reach 100 RBIs. Standouts like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki are currently among the leaders in RBIs, showing the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. As both players continue to perform well and receive consistent chances, there is optimism that the Cubs’ streak of not having a player exceed 100 RBIs will soon come to an end.
While the statistic of RBIs has evolved and might not hold the same weight as it once did, it remains a crucial measure of a player’s ability to drive in runs and contribute to their team’s success. If the Cubs can maintain their health and capitalize on offensive opportunities, there’s hope that they can not only achieve the 100 RBI mark but also end other long-standing droughts, including their ongoing search for a player to hit over 40 home runs in a single season. The future looks promising for this revitalized Cubs roster.