5 Cubs Players Who Could Define the Final Stretch of 2026

September has arrived with the Cubs still firmly in the postseason race. Chicago entered September 4 at 79-62, eight games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central but five games above the Wild Card cutoff, leaving plenty at stake as the schedule starts shrinking.

Chicago’s final stretch will require more than one source of production. Defense, dependable pitching, baserunning and positional flexibility all matter in close games. These five players contribute across those areas as Chicago approaches the final weeks.

1. Crow-Armstrong Covers Ground in Center

Pete Crow-Armstrong brings a defensive dimension that changes innings before the damage appears on a scoreboard. His speed and range make center field feel smaller for opposing hitters, and the numbers reinforce that reputation. He tied for the MLB lead with 24 Outs Above Average in 2025, made 19 five-star catches and won his first Gold Glove in center field.

That defensive presence also provides useful context when examining MLB betting odds during the closing weeks. Defensive quality forms part of the broader matchup picture, particularly when a difficult catch prevents runners from advancing or preserves a narrow advantage.

Those moments become more noticeable in close September games. Crow-Armstrong can cover gaps, support the corner outfielders and give pitchers greater confidence when contact travels into spacious areas of the park.

His impact may consequently arrive without dominating offensive statistics. When margins become increasingly narrow, preventing an extra-base hit or cutting down an advancing runner can quietly influence an entire contest.

2. Hoerner Keeps the Offense Moving

Nico Hoerner offers Chicago a different form of consistency. His contact skills, low strikeout rate, baserunning and strong defense give the lineup a dependable presence throughout the batting order.

That reliability becomes particularly useful during the final weeks. September games can turn on isolated opportunities, making contact and baserunning increasingly important when an offense faces quality starting pitching or specialized relievers capable of limiting sustained rallies.

Hoerner does not need to carry the offense through power to influence those situations. Putting the ball in play, advancing on the bases and creating opportunities for subsequent hitters gives Chicago several ways to construct runs.

That makes him a stabilizing presence rather than an all-or-nothing threat. Lineups inevitably fluctuate during a long season, but Hoerner’s broader skill set provides Chicago with a consistent foundation when offensive rhythm becomes difficult to maintain.

3. Imanaga Carries a Heavy Rotation Load

Shota Imanaga enters September carrying one of the heaviest workloads on Chicago’s pitching staff. Through his first 27 starts, the left-hander has worked 150 1/3 innings, giving the Cubs substantial volume during a season in which maintaining rotation continuity has required constant attention.

The significance of those innings grows as the calendar advances. Chicago needs starters capable of working deep enough to prevent every close game from placing excessive demands on the bullpen, particularly when consecutive important series compress opportunities for recovery.

Imanaga’s task is therefore about consistency as much as individual results. Taking the ball on schedule and navigating meaningful innings gives the Cubs something predictable around which the rest of their pitching plans can be constructed.

Imanaga’s availability and innings volume carry particular value during the final push. If he continues absorbing a significant workload, Chicago gains greater flexibility when arranging the remainder of the rotation and managing relief responsibilities around demanding late-season matchups.

4. Holmes Brings Stability to the Staff

Clay Holmes has quickly become an important part of Chicago’s late-season pitching picture. After joining the Cubs, the veteran transitioned into their rotation and immediately demonstrated his ability to provide controlled innings, including taking a perfect game into the sixth during an August start at Wrigley Field.

His recent consistency has strengthened that impression. Holmes recorded a 1.55 ERA across five starts and 29 innings over a recent month-long stretch, providing Chicago with dependable production at a point when stability carries particular importance.

That matters beyond his individual appearances. Effective starts reduce the number of innings the bullpen needs to cover, an important consideration during a demanding late-season schedule. Fans following the wider playoff picture can also find matchup coverage and MLB articles throughout the closing weeks.

Holmes therefore offers a different storyline from Imanaga’s season-long workload. His importance rests in what he has added during the closing phase. Continued dependable outings could give Chicago another reliable option as each remaining series assumes greater significance.

5. Shaw Grows Into a Flexible Role

Matt Shaw’s 2026 season has required adaptation. After spending much of his rookie year at third base, offseason changes pushed him toward a utility role, leading the Cubs to expand his responsibilities across both the infield and outfield during Spring Training.

That versatility has remained central to his season, with Shaw appearing at numerous positions despite time on the injured list. Chicago nevertheless retained the flexibility to deploy him according to matchups and roster needs.

September provides another opportunity for his role to develop. Regular contributions at the plate would make his defensive flexibility considerably more useful, particularly when Chicago needs to rotate players, respond to injuries or alter its lineup without sacrificing too much offensive potential.

Shaw consequently represents both the present and future. Continued development across different positions gives Chicago a versatile contributor who provides depth without being restricted to one assignment.

Different Contributions, One Final Push

Chicago’s closing weeks will test more than its most visible strengths. Crow-Armstrong can influence games with his defensive range, while Hoerner provides consistency and Imanaga carries substantial responsibility within the rotation.

Holmes has introduced another dependable pitching option at an important stage, and Shaw gives the lineup valuable positional flexibility. Their roles differ considerably, which is precisely why each matters. As the remaining schedule contracts, those varied contributions could collectively determine how effectively the Cubs navigate the final demands of 2026.

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