This is the Chicago Cubs strongest player ranking in MLB RIVALS. It lists the strongest players for each Cubs position and recommended batting orders.
Table of Contents
*The best ranking in this article consists of players other than HOF cards. If you obtain an HOF card, consider replacing the player in the corresponding position.
Best Player Quick Reference
Pitchers
| SP | RP | CP |
  J. Arrieta ’15 |  J. Merryweather ’23 |  A. Chapman ’16 |
Arrieta, with his wide variety of pitches and high pitching stats, leads the starting rotation. Merryweather and Chapman, with their high fastball speeds, also help prevent runs in the late innings.
Fielders
| C | 1B | 2B |
 G. Soto |  A. Rizzo ’16 |  E. Young Sr. ’00 |
| 3B | SS | LF |
 B. Madlock ’76 |  N. Hoerner ’23 |  K. Bryant ’16 |
| CF | RF | DH |
 C. Bellinger |  B. Williams ’72 | - |
Williams and Bryant boast extremely high batting performance. Other batters also have many hot zones and high average launch angles, making it a lineup capable of hitting for extra bases in many situations.
Best Power Hitters
| Player | Power | H Zone | Launch Angle |
 B. Williams ’72 | 74 | 9 | 19° |
 K. Bryant ’16 | 73 | 7 | 20° |
 D. Kingman ’79 | 77 | 9 | 22° |
The Cubs have many power hitters like Williams and Bryant. In addition to forming the core of the lineup, they can be particularly effective in Ranking Slugger and RBI Battles.
Best Ranking (Pitchers)
| SP | RP | CP |
Starting Pitchers (SP)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 J. Arrieta ’15 | - High overall stats - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 K. Wood ’03 | - Very high breaking ball stat - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 Shota Imanaga | - High velocity stat - All 5 pitch types - 2 pitch types are rank B |
 R. Harden ’08 | - High overall stats - All 4 pitch types - All pitch types are rank B or higher |
 Yu Darvish ’20 | - High fastball speed - All 5 pitch types - All pitch types are rank B |
 K. Hendricks ’16 | - Velocity, stamina, and fielding are over 70 - Fastball speed is low at 53 - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher |
Relief Pitchers (RP)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 J. Merryweather ’23 | - High fastball speed at 77 - All 4 pitch types - 3 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 H. Wesneski | - Relatively high stamina - All 5 pitch types - 2 pitch types are rank B |
 J. Assad ’23 | - High fielding at 72 - All 5 pitch types - 3 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 J. Chavez ’18 | - Well-balanced stats - All 5 pitch types - 3 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 M. Leiter Jr. | - High velocity stat - All 5 pitch types - 2 pitch types are rank B |
Closing Pitchers (CP)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 A. Chapman ’16 | - Top-class fastball speed - All 3 pitch types - 2 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 B. Sutter ’77 | - Very high velocity stat - All 4 pitch types - All pitch types are rank B or higher |
 L. Hawkins ’04 | - High fastball speed - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher |
Best Ranking (Fielders)
| C | 1B | 2B |
| 3B | SS | LF |
| CF | RF | ‐ |
*Due to player duplication, players with the same name may be selected for other positions.
Catchers (C)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
| G. Soto | - All stats are high level - 9 hot zones - Average launch angle is 18° |
 W. Contreras | - High level batting performance - 9 hot zones - Average launch angle is 17° |
 G. Soto ’10 | - High overall stats - 6 hot zones - Average launch angle is 15° |
First Basemen (1B)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 C. Bellinger ’23 | - High batting performance - Baserunning and fielding are over 70 - 6 hot zones - High average launch angle at 17° - Same name as CF player |
| A. Rizzo ’16 | - High overall stats - 5 hot zones - Average launch angle is 16° |
 F. McGriff ’01 | - High overall stats - Baserunning is somewhat low at 58 - 8 hot zones - Average launch angle is 11° |
Second Basemen (2B)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 R. Sandberg ’90 | - Very high batting performance - 7 hot zones - Average launch angle is 18° |
 E. Young Sr. ’00 | - 9 hot zones - Very high batting eye at 82 - Power is somewhat low at 58 - Average launch angle is 12° |
 M. Morandini ’98 | - Very high fielding at 81 - 9 hot zones - Average launch angle is 19° |
Third Basemen (3B)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
| K. Bryant ’16 | - High overall stats - 7 hot zones - High average launch angle at 20° |
 B. Madlock ’76 | - Very high contact/batting eye - 7 hot zones - Average launch angle is 11° |
 M. Bellhorn ’02 | - High overall stats - 7 hot zones - High average launch angle at 18° - Same name as 2B player |
Shortstops (SS)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 N. Hoerner ’23 | - Stats other than power and patience are over 70 - 8 hot zones - Average launch angle is 10° |
 J. Baez ’18 | - High baserunning and fielding at 79 - Very low patience at 49 - 8 hot zones - Same name as 2B player |
 D. Swanson ’23 | - Very high fielding - 6 hot zones - Average launch angle is 12° |
Left Fielders (LF)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
 B. Williams ’70 | - Very high batting performance - 7 hot zones - Average launch angle is 18° |
| K. Bryant ’16 | - High overall stats - 7 hot zones - High average launch angle at 20° |
| D. Kingman ’79 | - Very high power hitting ability - 9 hot zones - Average launch angle is 22° |
Center Fielders (CF)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
| C. Bellinger | - High batting performance - 9 hot zones - High average launch angle at 18° - Same name as 1B player |
 J. Pierre ’06 | - 9 hot zones - Very high batting eye at 84 - Power is somewhat low at 57 - Very low average launch angle at 4° |
 M. Byrd ’10 | - Very high fielding at 80 - Low patience at 50 - 6 hot zones - Very low average launch angle at 3° |
 C. Patterson ’04 | - High overall stats - Low patience at 53 - 8 hot zones - Average launch angle is 16° |
Right Fielders (RF)
| Player | Features |
|---|---|
| B. Williams ’72 | - Very high batting performance - 9 hot zones - Average launch angle is 19° |
 J. Heyward ’19 | - High overall stats - 4 hot zones - Average launch angle is 11° |
 A. Dawson ’90 | - High level batting performance - 8 hot zones - Average launch angle is 17° |
Positions to Strengthen with FA Contracts
Upgrade Starting/Relief Pitchers
The Cubs' fielders have deep rosters at every position and can perform well enough without reinforcements. For the pitching staff, adding pitchers from other teams as the 4th or 5th starter or as backup relievers will further increase stability.
Best Players for FA Trade
Starting Pitchers (SP)
| Player | Team/Features |
|---|---|
 G. Cole ’19 | Houston Astros - Top-class breaking ball stat at 90 - Very high control - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 C. Kershaw ’15 | Los Angeles Dodgers - Very high breaking ball/control over 80 - Excellent potential ability cap - All 5 pitch types - Has rank A 4FB/SLD |
 J. deGrom ’18 | New York Mets - High level in all pitching performance aspects - All 5 pitch types - 4 pitch types are rank B or higher - Has rank A 4FB/SLD |
Relief Pitchers (RP)
| Player | Team/Features |
|---|---|
 J. Hader ’18 | Milwaukee Brewers - Top-class breaking ball stat at 82 - All 4 pitch types - 2 pitch types are rank B or higher |
 J. Duran ’22 | Minnesota Twins - Top-class fastball speed at 88 - All 4 pitch types - 3 pitch types are rank B |
 R. Suarez ’21 | Philadelphia Phillies - High level velocity stat at 73 - All 4 pitch types - All pitch types are rank B or higher |
Chicago Cubs' Characteristics
Many Fielders Who Can Easily Get Hits
Many Cubs fielders have high contact and batting eye stats. Therefore, they are characterized by being able to get hits easily. However, compared to other teams, there are fewer players with high power or average launch angles, so focus on scoring by stringing together hits rather than relying on home runs.
Many Pitchers Have High Pitch Type Ranks
Many Cubs pitchers possess pitches with high type ranks. Potential abilities can further increase pitch type ranks, so it is recommended to prioritize strengthening fastball and breaking ball types.
Setting CP to One Player is Recommended
Few Cubs closing pitchers have high deck scores. Also, their stats are not particularly high, so it is recommended to set only one closer.
Cubs' Best Batting Order and Skills
| Batting Order | Player | Recommended Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E. Young Sr. ’00 | - Leadoff - Table Setter One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 2 | J. Pierre ’06 | - Leadoff - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 3 | C. Bellinger ’23 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 4 | B. Williams ’70 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Lineup Anchor |
| 5 | N. Hoerner ’23 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 6 |  A. Rizzo ’17 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 7 |  I. Happ ’22 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 8 | G. Soto ’10 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 9 | J. Heyward ’19 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| Batting Order | Player | Recommended Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  E. Young Sr. ’00 | - Leadoff - Table Setter One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 2 |  D. Swanson ’24 | - Leadoff - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 3 |  A. Rizzo ’17 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 4 |  K. Bryant ’17 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Lineup Anchor |
| 5 |  C. Bellinger ’24 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 6 |  N. Hoerner ’24 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 7 |  G. Soto ’10 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 8 |  J. Heyward ’19 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
| 9 |  I. Happ ’24 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Pennant Race (Recommended for PvP) |
Selection Criteria
Prioritizing Players with High Rarity
High rarity affects a player's initial stats and the increase in stats when trained. Therefore, the rankings above prioritize players with high rarity.
High Priority for Including Players with High Stats
Depending on the player, some high-rarity players may have low stats. In particular, some Impact players have low initial stats, so replacing them with players with higher stats or deck scores may increase the team's OVR.
LIVE/Season Mode Uses Deck Score
For LIVE/Season players selected in the rankings above, their high deck scores are taken into consideration. Deck score is an important factor for increasing the overall stats of the team. Therefore, it is acceptable to include players with high deck scores in the lineup even if their individual stats are slightly lower.
