The Chicago Cubs, who surged past the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central with a 13-2 head-to-head victory on Sunday night, may have an easier task up next.
Chicago will play host to the Miami Marlins -- who have the worst record (9-24) in the majors -- for four games, starting with Monday's matchup.
Perhaps the top player to watch in the series is Cubs shortstop Javier Baez, who led the NL with 111 RBIs last season. He also became the first Cubs player ever to have a season with at least 20 steals, 30 homers and 40 doubles.
"He's one of the best players in the game," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "It's hard to argue against the ascension he has made."
Baez is a big reason why the Cubs are the hottest team in the majors, with seven straight wins. He is batting .316 with 10 doubles, one triple, 11 homers, 29 runs scored and 26 RBIs.
Baez, just 26 years old, was a first-time All-Star last year, and there appears to be room for even more growth in his game as he gets stronger.
"I had a great year last season, but in the second half, I felt a little tired," Baez said.
He seems fresh this season, as his OPS has risen from .881 in his career year of 2018 to 1.004 this season.
Baez is still prone to chasing pitches and doesn't walk much. But he plays with tons of energy and makes spectacular fielding plays look routine.
On Monday, he and his Cubs teammates will face Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara(1-3, 4.86 ERA). Alcantara will be making his first career start in Wrigley Field, although he did pitch one scoreless inning there in 2017 when he was with the Cardinals.
