The Cubs are in rebuild mode, but they still are five games better than the Reds, who have the worst record in baseball.

Both starters, Marcus Stroman and Tyler Mahle, are off strong performances and pitching better. I give an edge to Stroman, though, who is 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA in five career starts against Cincinnati. Mahle has a 5.23 ERA, still striving for consistency at the big league level. He has a 3.56 lifetime ERA versus the Cubs in 13 starts.

The Cubs have the superior offense and a much stronger bullpen.