Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs are two of the most influential teams in Major League Baseball history. Compared to the progress made by the Oakland Athletics, the Chicago Cubs continued to struggle this season.
In the 2024 season, the Oakland Athletics improved their performance compared to last year. On August 13, they defeated the New York Mets and finished the season with a 69-93 record. This placed them fourth in the American League West. Their record improved by 19 wins compared to the 50-112 finish in 2023.
As for the Chicago Cubs, this marked their fourth straight season missing the playoffs. On September 21, they finished the season with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses, the same as last year. They tied for second in the division with the St. Louis Cardinals but fell 10 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
Next, let’s look at the stats to compare how these two teams performed this season.
Oakland Athletics vs Chicago Cubs Batting Stats
Oakland Athletics’ Batting Performance
Brent Rooker
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AB: 546
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HR: 39
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RBI: 112
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AVG: .293
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OBP: .365
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OPS: .927
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WAR: 5.6
Brent Rooker was clearly the team’s star player. He led the Athletics in batting average, home runs, RBIs, OBP, and hits. His performance was not just “good” but “outstanding.” Rooker was the key player for Oakland’s offense.
Shea Langeliers
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AB: 482
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HR: 29
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RBI: 80
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AVG: .224
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OBP: .288
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OPS: .739
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WAR: 2.9
Shea Langeliers hit 29 home runs and drove in 80 runs, which was solid. However, his batting average (.224) was on the lower side, and his OPS (.739) was below average. His WAR of 2.9 showed he contributed but wasn’t as impactful as Rooker.
JJ Bleday
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AB: 572
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HR: 20
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RBI: 60
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AVG: .243
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OBP: .324
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OPS: .762
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WAR: 2.2
JJ Bleday had a decent season but wasn’t remarkable. His batting average (.243) was slightly above the team’s average, while his OPS (.762) and WAR (2.2) were respectable but not outstanding.
Total
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AB: 5432
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HR: 196
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RBI: 619
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AVG: .233
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OBP: .301
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OPS: .694
The Athletics relied heavily on Brent Rooker’s offense, but the rest of the lineup had trouble delivering consistently. The team’s overall batting average and on-base percentage were below par, showing their struggles on offense.
Chicago Cubs’ Batting Performance
Seiya Suzuki
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AB: 512
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HR: 21
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RBI: 73
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AVG: .283
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OBP: .366
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OPS: .848
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WAR: 3.5
Seiya Suzuki was one of the Cubs’ most consistent hitters. He led the team in batting average (.283) and OBP (.366) while contributing 21 home runs and 73 RBIs. His OPS (.848) showed his strong offensive impact.
Ian Happ
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AB: 569
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HR: 25
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RBI: 86
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AVG: .243
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OBP: .341
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OPS: .782
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WAR: 3.9
Ian Happ was a key player on both offense and defense. His 25 home runs were the most on the team, and his 86 RBIs were impressive. Although his batting average (.243) was average, his WAR (3.9) was the highest on the team, highlighting his all-around contributions.
Nico Hoerner
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AB: 582
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HR: 7
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RBI: 48
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AVG: .273
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OBP: .335
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OPS: .708
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WAR: 3.7
Nico Hoerner wasn’t a power hitter but was a solid and reliable player. He only hit 7 home runs but had a .273 batting average. His WAR (3.7) reflected his strong contributions in base running and defense.
Total
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AB: 5441
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HR: 170
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RBI: 696
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AVG: .242
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OBP: .317
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OPS: .710
The Cubs showed a more balanced performance. With Suzuki and Happ leading the way, their overall batting average, OBP, and OPS were higher than the Athletics. This demonstrated their consistent offensive firepower.
Batting Comparison: Who Had the Stronger Offense?
Both teams had a similar number of at-bats, with the Athletics at 5432 and the Cubs at 5441. The Athletics hit 196 home runs, more than the Cubs’ 170, showing their power at the plate. However, the Cubs led in RBIs, batting average, OBP, and OPS. This indicates that the Cubs were more efficient at scoring and had a more stable offense throughout the season.
Oakland Athletics vs Chicago Cubs Pitching Stats
Oakland Athletics Pitching Performance
JP Sears
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Wins: 11
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ERA: 4.38
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Strikeouts (K): 137
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WHIP: 1.22
JP Sears was a solid starting pitcher for the team. His ERA and strikeout numbers were decent, though not on par with the league’s elite pitchers.
Mason Miller
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Saves: 28
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ERA: 2.49
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Strikeouts (K): 104
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WHIP: 0.88
Mason Miller proved to be an outstanding closer. His low ERA and WHIP highlighted his efficiency and control in high-pressure situations, making him one of the team’s most reliable pitchers.
Austin Adams
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Holds: 22
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ERA: 3.92
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Strikeouts (K): 53
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WHIP: 1.48
Austin Adams was dependable in middle relief, but his higher WHIP indicated he occasionally struggled with control. Despite this, his role was crucial in bridging the gap between starters and closers.
Total
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Wins: 69
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Saves: 35
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Holds: 100
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ERA: 4.37
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Strikeouts (K): 1263
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WHIP: 1.33
Overall, Mason Miller stood out as the Athletics’ most effective pitcher, especially in the closer role. However, the team’s overall ERA (4.37) and WHIP (1.33) suggested inconsistency and room for improvement, particularly in their middle relief.
Chicago Cubs Pitching Performance
Shota Imanaga
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Wins: 15
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ERA: 2.91
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Strikeouts (K): 174
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WHIP: 1.02
Shota Imanaga was the Cubs’ most reliable starter. His low ERA and excellent WHIP underscored his ability to control games and limit baserunners.
Hector Neris
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Saves: 17
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ERA: 3.89
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Strikeouts (K): 46
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WHIP: 1.52
Hector Neris contributed as a closer but had a higher ERA and WHIP, indicating some struggles in tight situations.
Tyson Miller
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Holds: 14
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ERA: 2.15
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Strikeouts (K): 42
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WHIP: 0.81
Tyson Miller excelled as a middle reliever, showcasing impressive control and a very low WHIP. His 2.15 ERA made him one of the most effective bullpen options for the Cubs.
Total
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Wins: 83
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Saves: 38
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Holds: 80
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ERA: 3.78
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Strikeouts (K): 1348
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WHIP: 1.25
The Cubs’ pitching staff showed greater overall consistency and effectiveness. With a strong ERA (3.78) and WHIP (1.25), they outperformed the Athletics in most pitching metrics.
Pitching Comparison: Which Team Had the Stronger Staff?
The Cubs clearly had the edge in pitching. They recorded 83 wins compared to the Athletics’ 69, demonstrating greater reliability from their staff. The Cubs’ ERA of 3.78 was significantly better than the Athletics’ 4.37, indicating stronger defensive performance. They also led in strikeouts, with 1348 compared to the Athletics’ 1263, showcasing a higher ability to dominate opposing hitters.
While the Athletics had more holds (100 to the Cubs’ 80), the Cubs maintained better control overall, as reflected in their lower WHIP (1.25 vs. 1.33). Shota Imanaga’s standout performance as a starter and Tyson Miller’s efficiency in relief played pivotal roles in the Cubs’ success.
In conclusion, the Cubs had a more balanced and effective pitching staff, giving them a clear advantage over the Athletics.
Oakland Athletics vs Chicago Cubs Fielding Stats
Oakland Athletics Fielding Performance
JJ Bleday
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Putouts (PO): 392
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.988
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Errors (E): 5
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Double Plays (DP): 1
JJ Bleday showcased solid fielding with a strong FP of 0.988, making him a steady presence in the field. However, his limited contribution to double plays (1 DP) indicates a more specialized defensive role.
Zack Gelof
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Putouts (PO): 264
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.988
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Errors (E): 7
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Double Plays (DP): 92
Zack Gelof matched Bleday’s FP but stood out in his ability to turn double plays, registering an impressive 92 DPs. Despite committing slightly more errors, his defensive impact in the infield was undeniable.
Shea Langeliers
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Putouts (PO): 1007
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.995
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Errors (E): 5
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Double Plays (DP): 5
As the standout defender for the Athletics, Langeliers delivered exceptional performance behind the plate. His FP of 0.995 and low error count (5) made him the defensive anchor. While his double-play numbers were limited, his impact as a catcher was invaluable.
Chicago Cubs Fielding Performance
Nico Hoerner
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Putouts (PO): 238
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.985
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Errors (E): 9
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Double Plays (DP): 64
Hoerner contributed significantly to double plays (64 DP) but posted a lower FP (0.985) and committed a higher number of errors (9). Nonetheless, his defensive reliability in key situations made him an asset to the Cubs.
Dansby Swanson
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Putouts (PO): 166
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.990
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Errors (E): 5
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Double Plays (DP): 56
Swanson’s FP of 0.990 and low error total reflected his reliability, though his double-play count (56 DP) lagged slightly behind. Still, he was a dependable member of the Cubs’ infield.
Ian Happ
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Putouts (PO): 307
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Fielding Percentage (FP): 0.997
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Errors (E): 1
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Double Plays (DP): 2
Happ delivered stellar defense, leading the team with an exceptional FP of 0.997 and committing only 1 error. While his role in turning double plays was limited, his steady glove work contributed significantly to the Cubs’ overall defense.
Fielding Comparison
Langeliers was the best defensive player, with an impressive fielding percentage of 0.995, making him the backbone of the team’s defense. Gelof also showed his impact in the infield with 92 double plays. Overall, the Athletics’ defense was steady, but they fell slightly short in double plays and other key areas.
The Cubs’ defense was more balanced. Ian Happ stood out with an excellent fielding percentage and very few errors, showing his consistency. Swanson and Hoerner provided solid defense, especially contributing to double plays.
In general, the Cubs had a slight edge in defense. They were more balanced, particularly in fielding percentage and errors. While Langeliers was outstanding for the Athletics, their overall diversity and consistency in defense were not as strong as the Cubs’.
Who Is the Best Player of the Two Teams?
Brent Rooker is without a doubt the key player for the Oakland Athletics. He leads the team in many hitting stats, including batting average (.293), home runs (39), and RBIs (112). His OPS is an impressive .927, showing he can hit for power and drive in runs consistently. With a WAR of 5.6, he has made a huge impact on the team. He is clearly the Athletics‘ best offensive player.
Mason Miller, the Athletics‘ relief pitcher, has also been outstanding. His 2.49 ERA and 0.88 WHIP show excellent control over hitters, making it hard for opponents to score, especially in important moments.
Ian Happ is the Cubs‘ top hitter, leading the team in home runs (25), RBIs (86), and WAR (3.9). His OPS is .782. While his batting average could be better, his all-around performance has been crucial for the team. Happ’s versatility adds great value to the Cubs‘ offense.
Shota Imanaga is the Cubs‘ best pitcher, with a 2.91 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He has 174 strikeouts and shows great control over hitters. Imanaga provides reliable performances as a starting pitcher and is a key part of the Cubs’ rotation.
