“It all depends on how we respond to the adversity that comes up during the season, which is the great unknown,” said Theo Epstein, the Cubs’ president for baseball operations. “It’s the thing that defines every baseball team. What’s the last team that hasn’t had any adversity? Maybe the ’84 Tigers. How many teams since then haven’t had to respond to some major stuff that’s come up during the course of the season?

“We’re a defending third-place team until we’re not, but there’s a tremendous amount of trust that we have in the talent, depth and character of the players in the clubhouse. It’s an exciting time. I look forward to seeing what they can do in a very competitive environment.”

The Cubs’ hitters strike out a lot, so they might still be vulnerable in a short series against the Mets. But some of their best hitters are so young and talented, they can and will improve. Remember: A year ago, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber had never played in the majors. We have probably not seen their best.

With Lackey joining Jon Lester and the Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta, the Cubs have three elite starters. They also have the depth and the dollars to make a major in-season trade. Epstein and his lieutenants are aggressive and creative, and they will surely be involved if Oakland tries to deal Sonny Gray or another team shops a premier pitcher.