In 2015, the Chicago Cubs went from a homely fan favorite team with the second oldest stadium currently active in the MLB to a championship contender with one some of the most prolific offensive talent in the league. Not only do the Cubs return with most of their stars from last year, but they also picked up some very intriguing and hopeful, new players that look to give the Cubbies the playoff push they need in 2016.

 Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta received a 1-year, $10.7 million extension, and will most likely  be given a huge extension in 2017. Outfielder Dexter Fowler was also resigned to a 1-year, $8 million contract with a $5 million buyout available in 2017. Jason Heyward and John Lackey were free agent pick ups from the St. Louis Cardinals, highlighting the news regarding the Cubs offseason.

Returning for the Cubs includes a cast lead by starting pitcher Jake Arrieta, reigning Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant, and last year’s playoff hero Kyle Schwarber. Arrieta dazzled the professional scene with 22 wins and a fantastic 1.77 ERA, on his course to winning the National League Cy Young award. Kris Bryant earned his Rookie of the Year after pounding 26 homeruns and 99 runs batted in.

In one of the Cubs best seasons in recent history, Chicago’s north side team shot out to a MLB 3rd best record at 97-65. But in the NL Central, the toughest division in baseball, the Cubs were only third and had to play a wildcard game to gain entrance to the NL Divisional Series to face the St. Louis Cardinals. In this single game playoff, Jake Arrieta pitched a shutout to aid a 4-0 effort. Chicago then defeated St. Louis 3-1 in the Divisional Series, and eventually were sent home after being swept by the New York Mets in the NL Conference Series.

Amidst the chaos of the playoffs, a new hero emerged among the Cub’s already young and talented roster. Kyle Schwarber, a rookie left-fielder who had played less than half as season with the Cubs, hit 5 homeruns in the 2015 playoffs powering Chicago’s offense, and setting a franchise record for most postseason home runs in one postseason. The most notable of the five being a 449 foot moon shot in game 4 against St. Louis. This homerun landed on the Wrigley Field scoreboard and was covered in glass casing until February 2016.

The 2016 Major League Baseball season is the most anticipated season in recent years for the Chicago Cubs, as hopes now evolve into expectations, and fans are craving a championship more than ever.

And general manager Theo Epstein only wants his team to fulfill those expectations. The tenacious Cubs look to deliver a championship in 2016, an achievement that has eluded the North Side for more than a century.