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Chicago Cubs
Overall: 48
Title track: 65
Ownership: 11
Coaching: T4
Players: 5
Fan relations: 11
Affordability: 100
Stadium experience: 23
Bang for the buck: 107
Change from last year: +11
The Cubs might have begun this century in the basement, but they've worked their way up to the penthouse and finished the 2016 regular season with the best record in baseball ... this year or any year since 2004. Since Theo Epstein took over this team, it has won 61, 66, 73, 97 and 103 games -- and those win totals represent just part of the progress the organization has made the past five years.
What's good
The Cubs' fifth-ranked roster (second in MLB to only the even-year magician Giants, who finally lost in an even year ... to the Cubs) has a plethora of young, talented position players, beginning with the infield (Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez?!). The additions of Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward gave the Cubs even more character, as they replaced a losing atmosphere with winning baseball players. Everyone knows the impact Joe Maddon (fourth overall, behind only Buck Showalter in MLB) has on this team, but way under the radar is the staff Epstein calls its "pitching infrastructure": pitching coach Chris Bosio, bullpen coach Lester Strode and catching coach Mike Borzello. The three have overseen the best staff in baseball.
What's bad
As in many big markets, going to a Cubs game isn't very affordable (It wasn't even cheap when they were losing!). At an average of $51 per seat, only the Red Sox and Yankees charge more than the Cubs. At least now fans can leave happy: The team set a franchise record with 57 wins at Wrigley Field this season. Of course, as Yankees fans will tell you, that just means higher costs. Prices increased about 10 percent across the board after last season, and premium games continue to increase in price as well. Now that the team looks like a sustained winner, the demand is simply greater than the supply. Expect more increases.
What's new
Wrigley Field continues its makeover, and every year, there will be more added to the fan and player experience. A much-needed new clubhouse debuted this year, and it didn't disappoint. It has every amenity a player could ask for, including some rehab facilities that previously could be found only in Mesa, Arizona, at the Cubs' spring home. Everything in the bleachers is new, including a party area in the first couple rows that can be rented out by groups. The video scoreboards no longer draw criticism, as they have blended in with the overall look of Wrigley Field. All those amenities helped the Cubs' rankings in stadium experience (up 29 spots) and fan relations (up 39 to 11th overall).
Next: San Diego Padres | Full rankings
