Here are the Cubs' top wins of 2019

CHICAGO -- All victories are important in the moment, but there are some that have a lasting impact upon reflection.

As the Cubs plan for 2020, which could be a season that acts as a kind of bridge to the future for the franchise, the team can certainly learn from what took place this past year. A star-laden roster fell short of lofty expectations, but there were moments, performances and games that shed some light on the course the North Siders are plotting for the coming months.

Here are five Cubs wins from 2019 that tell us something about '20:

1. Cubs 14, Nationals 6
May 17 in Washington

After facing Max Scherzer for six innings, the Cubs carried a 3-2 lead into the seventh. Then, Kris Bryant helped Chicago's offense punch the gas. The slugger launched three home runs -- one each in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings -- to power an 11-run onslaught over the final three frames. It was one of 21 double-digit showings for the lineup in '19.

What does it tell us about 2020?

When healthy, Bryant is a force for the Cubs. And, while some corners of the team's fan base cry that the third baseman isn't clutch, it is worth noting that he had an .887 OPS with runners in scoring position, a .955 OPS with RISP and two outs and a .965 OPS in high-leverage situations in '19. The former Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards winner can become a free agent after 2021, so trade rumors are bubbling to the surface for a Chicago team trying to thread the needle between winning now and planning for the future. Bryant will play a large part in '20 for the Cubs one way or another.

2. Cubs 2, Brewers 1 (15)
May 11 in Chicago

Willson Contreras caught all 15 innings against Milwaukee and ended a marathon game with a walk-off homer through a falling rain. After a Cole Hamels start and some strong work from the bullpen, Tyler Chatwood finished off the win with four innings of relief.

What does it tell us about 2020?

First and foremost, Contreras is one of the game's elite catchers, especially offensively. With three years of control left, he will also have his name come up in trade rumors this offseason. Of the Cubs' core players, Contreras might be the most realistic trade candidate for balancing the present and future. Six of the eight pitchers who appeared in this win are also off the Cubs' roster. Chatwood will likely have a home in the rotation or bullpen, but there are a lot of other holes to fill on the staff.

3. Cubs 5, Mets 3
June 23 in Chicago

After being frustrated by back-to-back National League Cy Young Award-winner Jacob deGrom, Javier Báez launched a go-ahead, three-run homer off Seth Lugo in the eighth. It was one of the most electric moments of the year at Wrigley Field, where Báez emerged from the dugout, shouting to the crowd and yanking out his jersey in a wild celebration.

What does it tell us about 2020?

It was a good reminder that -- even in light of disappointing finishes to the past two years -- this Cubs roster is packed with star power. Báez is at the heart of that, and expect Chicago to try to lock up the shortstop to an extension this offseason. If the Cubs accomplish that task, it will be another bridge between the current core and the next era of baseball on the North Side.

4. Cubs 4, Cardinals 0
May 3 in Chicago

Kyle Hendricks, who signed an extension before the season that keeps him under contract through at least the 2023 campaign, turned in the pitching performance of the year for the Cubs. The precision-based righty spun a brilliant complete-game shutout on 81 pitches. That included 63 strikes -- 18 via swing and miss. Hendricks limited the Cards to four hits and struck out three with no walks.

What does it tell us about 2020?

Hendricks has been a steadying force for a Cubs rotation that is on the verge of transition. Jon Lester isn't getting any younger, José Quintana will be eligible for free agency next offseason and Hamels is on the open market now. Yu Darvish will be looking to prove that his ace-level second half was no fluke. The Cubs need to add starting depth for '20 and beyond, but they can count on the reliable Hendricks holding down one spot for years to come.

5. Cubs 10, Padres 2
Sept. 9 in San Diego

The final score was not close, but the residual impact of this win was important. With both Báez and Addison Russell sidelined, the Cubs summoned Nico Hoerner from Double-A to step in as the shortstop for down the stretch. In his MLB debut, Hoerner collected four RBIs, connected for three hits and scored two runs. He tripled, sprinted home on a wild pitch and was impressive throughout the game defensively.

What does it tell us about 2020?

Hoerner's Minor League season was over. He was at home in California when the Cubs unexpectedly called him to The Show. Over the next few weeks, Hoerner displayed no rookie jitters. He fit in seamlessly in the clubhouse and made an impact on the field. Now, the Cubs suddenly can view Hoerner as a realistic option for the '20 roster. He will be in the hunt for an Opening Day job in the spring.