Cubs’ Bench Isn’t Built for October — and That Has to Change

When teams think about October, they often focus on frontline stars: the ace starters, the power bats, the closers with ice in their veins. However, when it comes to winning in the postseason, the margins matter. The one thing that fans often neglect is the moves that aren't so sexy. I am talking about the bench moves, and right now, the Chicago Cubs’ bench is far too thin to support a deep playoff run.

Too Many Question Marks in Reserve

It’s been obvious for weeks: the Cubs simply don’t have enough reliable, game-ready options in reserve. Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, and Justin Turner have all had moments, but as a unit, this bench lacks pop, versatility, and the ability to shift a game late. While Justin Turner gives you a great veteran clubhouse presence, he doesn't bring you the game-changing bat that he once was. It’s one thing to carry placeholders during the grind of the regular season, and it’s another to trust them with high-leverage at-bats or critical defensive innings in October.

And this matters more than fans might think.

Playoff Baseball Demands More

Playoff baseball is a different animal. Games are tighter. Matchups matter more. Managers need bench pieces who can pinch-hit against elite velocity, run the bases aggressively, or lock down a spot in the field when a starter exits. Even as you get into July and August, these pieces are critical to staying on pace or building a cushion within the division. The Cubs don’t have anyone filling those roles with confidence right now. Turner, at this stage of his career, has more reputation than production. Berti and Bruján offer some speed and defense, but they’re not scaring any pitchers. There’s no David Bote-style sparkplug. No Chris Coghlan-like grinder. Just... filler, and that will not cut it down the stretch.

The Tucker Trade Raised Expectations — So Should the Bench

For a team that went all-in earlier this year by trading for Kyle Tucker, the lack of depth behind the starting nine is a glaring contradiction. That Tucker deal signaled a win-now mindset. However, a true win-now team doesn’t leave 3–4 roster spots unoptimized in July. The front office must approach this deadline with urgency, and that includes upgrading the bench.

What the Cubs Need: Versatile, Impactful Role Players

Whether it’s a right-handed power bat to come off the bench against lefties, a glove-first utility man who can have game-changing speed, or a veteran pinch hitter who’s been there before, the Cubs need more weapons. The best teams treat the 23rd through 26th men on the roster as difference-makers, not afterthoughts.

The Postseason Is Within Reach — But Time Is Running Out

The Cubs are still very much in the mix for the postseason. But if they want to stay there — and advance — they’ll need more than stars. They’ll need a bench that’s built for October.

Right now, it’s not. But there’s still time to fix it.

What moves would you make to shore up this bench? Tweet us at @CubbiesOnTap!