The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 MLB season with high expectations. After a strong 2025 campaign that saw the team snap a four-year postseason drought, the Cubs are widely considered a playoff contender, with some bold predictions even naming them the National League Central champions. Vegas oddsmakers have set the Cubs’ World Series odds at 22-1, signaling both respect and excitement around this talented roster. With a combination of a strong core, promising young talent, and strategic offseason acquisitions, Chicago appears poised to compete at the highest level—but several key questions remain.
A Look Back at 2025
The Cubs’ momentum heading into 2026 is grounded in their success over the previous season. In 2025, Chicago finished with an impressive 92-70 record, breaking a four-year postseason drought and advancing past the Wild Card series. While their playoff run ended sooner than fans would have liked, the campaign demonstrated that the Cubs’ roster has both depth and talent. The team’s strong regular season performance laid a foundation of optimism for 2026, proving that the core group of players can compete in a highly competitive NL Central.
Strength in Defense and Core Players
Chicago’s defensive prowess is among the best in Major League Baseball. With multiple Gold Glove winners on the roster, the Cubs’ defense provides a sturdy backbone for the pitching staff. Returning stars like Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ offer consistency both at the plate and in the field, while young talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong adds a dynamic element to the lineup. This combination of experience and youth gives the Cubs a strong foundation, ensuring they remain competitive in both the regular season and postseason.
Pitching Depth and Offseason Moves
Pitching was a critical focus for the Cubs this offseason. The addition of starting pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade strengthens an already solid rotation, while the signings of several key relievers aim to rebuild a bullpen that had been inconsistent in previous seasons. Chicago’s rotation will lean on the health and performance of pitchers like Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, both of whom must sustain regular season form and step up in high-pressure playoff situations. If the pitching staff can deliver consistent innings, the Cubs could be a formidable opponent in the postseason.
Balanced Offense
The Cubs’ lineup in 2025 was one of the most balanced in the National League, ranking among the top five units. The combination of contact hitting, power, and speed allowed the team to generate runs consistently and apply pressure to opposing pitchers. With most of the core position players returning, including established stars and emerging talent, Chicago’s offense is positioned for continued success. However, replacing key contributors will be critical for sustaining that production.
Key Questions and Concerns
Despite the optimism, the Cubs face several challenges heading into the 2026 season. Most notably, the potential departure of star outfielder Kyle Tucker leaves a significant hole in the lineup. Tucker was a major offensive catalyst in 2025, and replacing his production will be a priority. The Cubs have reportedly been linked to top free-agent hitters like Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, signaling that management is actively pursuing solutions to maintain offensive balance.
Another concern is pitching depth in the postseason. While Chicago’s starters were effective during the regular season, they struggled in the playoffs, averaging fewer than three innings per start. For the Cubs to make a deep playoff run, they will need more sustained contributions from their rotation. Additionally, consistency remains a question mark; the team experienced a noticeable offensive fade during the second half of 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining production throughout the full season.
Outlook for 2026
Overall, the Chicago Cubs enter 2026 with a strong, well-rounded roster and a plan to address offseason weaknesses. While there are uncertainties—particularly in replacing a key offensive player and ensuring postseason pitching depth—the team’s core talent, defensive strength, and balanced lineup provide plenty of reasons for optimism. If Chicago can avoid prolonged slumps and the pitching staff delivers when it matters most, the Cubs are well-positioned to compete for the NL Central crown and make a serious push in the postseason. Fans in Wrigleyville have plenty to look forward to as the 2026 season unfolds, and expectations are high that this talented Cubs roster can rise to the occasion.
