Chicago Cubs: A weird and wild season comes to an end

It’s fair to say Cubs fans had mixed feelings heading into this year’s postseason. The team that struggled down the stretch, lost the top Wild Card spot, and was running into a buzzsaw had an uphill battle. After 89 wins, the Chicago Cubs went out with a sad whimper. Even for fans who didn’t expect much, the taste was bitter after seeing a non-competitive two-game sweep to the Padres.

Nothing went right. The offense did nothing. The pitching was poor. Execution on small things like challenges was poor. Even Craig Counsell’s managing was questionable at times. The tone was set with Pete Crow-Armstrong, the likely NL MVP, striking out to start Game 1, followed by Matthew Boyd giving up a first-pitch homer to Fernando Tatis Jr. It was all downhill from there.

Now fans reflect on a season that was at times incredibly fun and insanely frustrating, while not knowing when their beloved team will play again, with a potential lockout looming.

Reflecting on the 2026 Chicago Cubs

One would think having a 40-40 player, the most runs scored in baseball, and the best defense would make a team a top postseason threat. Unfortunately, the pitching staff was a major Achilles ‘ heel. Between numerous injuries and major home run troubles, it was a grind all year. Not that the offense, which “broke” at the end, did any favors in the playoffs.

To recognize the good, there was plenty of fun at the ballpark. Not only Crow-Armstrong’s electric 40-40 season (which also included a cycle), but also the 13 walkoff wins, Alex Bregman’s second half, and a 20-3 stretch, to name a few. The highs were 2016-like at times.

It wasn’t a bad season, and it wasn’t a bad team. But it was not good enough, and that is grounds to call it a failure. What is frustrating is that President Jed Hoyer was aggressive. He paid Bregman, extended both Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, acquired an arm with big stuff in Edward Cabrera, and was very busy at the deadline. One can say the effort was there, but in the end, they still fell well short of a World Series and of the Brewers in the standings. Again.

Saying goodbye to 2026 and looking ahead

It’s time to say goodbye to the 2026 Cubs. Personally, I thank them for the fun they brought, but I’m also disappointed they didn’t bring home hardware. Honestly, going all the way felt like a long shot given their flaws. It just would have been nice to have a moment or two of hope in the playoffs.

The path ahead is murky. Who knows what this potential lockout will bring and for how long. Regardless, the team has holes, and fixing them will be a challenge. They can sign some free agents, and there will be some available pitchers, but other needed areas are not as strong. The farm system isn’t completely bare, but it’s low in the rankings. This organization needs to produce more effective power arms and maintain health. Hopefully another bat or two as well, like Josiah Hartshorn.

It’s going to be a long path to the 2027 season (whenever that starts). Until then, we wait for next year.

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