Prior to the start of the 2015 MLB season, fans and analysts alike viewed the Cubs as an average team, in the final stages of rebuilding. A trip to the postseason seemed unlikely, with no thoughts of a World Series whatsoever. As of late, the Cubs are making a run for the postseason with a 5.5 game lead over the Giants for the second Wild Card spot. Hope is building on the North Side for a team that has lacked a postseason appearance since 2008 and a World Series since 1908.

From 2010 to 2014 the Cubs struggled to post a winning record. 2009 marks the last year the team finished above .500 with an 83-78 record. The year prior, the Cubs topped MLB in the regular season going 97-64, but disappointed fans in the postseason when swept by the Dodgers in the Divisional Series. Cubs fans have not seen the team win a playoff game since 2003, when they advanced to the NLCS, but have had two postseason appearances since.

Anthony Rizzo, Cubs first baseman has been a part of a couple of their recently dismal years. Prior to Opening Day he shared his excitement and optimism for the year ahead.

“It’s going to happen this year,” Rizzo declared regarding winning the NL Central at a Cubs caravan stop at an elementary school in Chicago. “It’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to play and we’re going to win the NL Central, you can quote me on that. We should be the team, with all due respect to every other team, we’re going to do some things this year. That’s what we’re going to put our sights on and we’re not going to accept anything else.”

His excitement at the time was most likely rooted in the young talent from the Cubs well-stocked farm system expected to advance to the big leagues and the veteran talent the team brought in before the season. Among the young talent was Baseball America’s number one prospect, Kris Bryant who they called up eight games into the season. He has been pivotal in driving in runs, as he is first on the team with 79 RBI. Along with Bryant came other prospects such as SS Addison Russell, OF Jorge Soler, and the newest addition C/OF Kyle Schwarber.

“Everybody thinks back and remembers the ‘69 Cubs and how well they did and their late collapse against the Mets, but I think this team gives a totally different feel because they’re younger and there’s just such a bright future for them,” said Brad Klett, who has been a lifetime Cubs fan.

This youthful Cubs team has recently experienced what it is capable of. They went 19-9 in August, including a nine game winning streak and a four-game sweep of the 2014 World Series Champs San Francisco Giants, increasing their lead in the Wild Card standings. The latest hot streak has Cubs fans excited for the postseason.

“I absolutely [think the Cubs can win a World Series this year],” said Klett. “They’re the hottest team in baseball and there’s no reason they can’t have that same type of a streak where they just get on a roll in the playoffs.”

Before the All-Star Break the Cubs floated around five games above .500, clinging to the second Wild Card spot. The second half began slowly for them at the tail end of July, falling behind the Giants 2.5 games for the Wild Card. The MLB worst, Philadelphia Phillies swept the Cubs in that stretch, which included a no-hit bid by Cole Hamels.

This hot streak has sparked an offense that had been mediocre throughout the first half of the season. From Opening Day through July 28, the Cubs batted .237/.314/.371 averaging 3.84 runs per game. This run total ranked them 10th in the NL.

During a stretch where the Cubs won 21 of 25, however, the Cubs hit.267/.347/.494 with an average of 5.61 runs per game topping the NL.

Additionally during this past month, the Cubs seemed to have found their ace in Jake Arrieta. Arrieta has had a Cy Young worthy season with a 2.11 ERA and an MLB leading 17 wins. His August performance was off the charts, given his 0.43 ERA and 6-0 record, capping it all off with a no-hitter on August 30 against the Dodgers.

Season ticket holders have received season ticket information for the first time since 2009, in preparation for a possible October appearance. FanGraphs has their playoff odds at 95%, a percentage Cubs fans must enjoy.

“The most exciting thing about this [team] is the strong core of youth that makes it a promising future,” said Klett. “It’s not like this team will be just a one time in the playoffs and then fade away. “This is a team that looks like it will have staying power and be good year after year.”

Back to the Future II predicted the Cubs to be the 2015 World Series Champions. It was an outcome many believed to be out of reach before the season began, but as the Cubs have showcased their full capabilities it has become a legitimate possibility.