How the Cubs Made the 2026 MLB Postseason

For the second straight year, the Cubs will play playoff baseball. However, the club does have some question marks despite boasting one of the league’s best offenses. Namely, does this year’s pitching staff have enough to navigate the National League postseason?

Rise of a likely MVP

Pete Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player in MLB history to reach the 40-40 plateau on September 24. That put the finishing touches on what will go down as one of the greatest all-around seasons in the Majors.

The third-year outfielder came into the year as one of the best rising stars, thanks to the plus glove, speed, and power that showed up in spades last year. But in 2026, more discipline at the plate, which led to more walks, and led to more opportunity to hit & steal.

Right now, that pre-arbitration extension that Crow-Armstrong signed before the start of the year looks pretty good.

But heading into the playoffs, the likely 2026 NL MVP will have to prove that he can carry things over into the second season.

A torrid pace from Bregman

When the first half concluded, Alex Bregman had an OPS below .700, and some questions about whether he was going to be a good fit for the Cubs. Well, a lot of has changed since the All-Star break.

Bregman, since the start of August, was one of baseball’s best hitters, perfectly complementing not just Pete Crow-Armstrong but also Seiya Suzuki. As of the 25th, Bregman was tied for second in the Majors in total extra-base hits (27), six behind Crow-Armstrong.

He also finished tied for fourth in home runs (15). In fact, Bregman had two three-home-run games in August, one at home and the other in Washington against the Nationals.

The only thing that was able to stop him was facial fractures suffered in the on-deck circle.

Finding a reliable rotation

Throughout the 2026 campaign, the Cubs’ rotation took hit after hit after hit. Cade Horton went down early, ultimately requiring UCL reconstruction surgery. Justin Steele worked in Triple-A Iowa on rehab via short stints later in the year hut hasn’t debuted as of September 25. Edward Cabrera, acquired to fill out the rotation back in January, had a myriad of problems.

Which now leads to the group that the Cubs have now, heading into October.

Clay Holmes fit in like a glove. Holmes, a natural groundball pitcher, came into play with the highest GB% (65.2%) among Major League pitchers (min. 80 batted balls) in the second half. The problem, though, is that Holmes only struck out 30 over 44 IP. More balls in play, even though the Cubs’ defense is good, can lead to problems.

He’s not the only one with low K/9 rates. Matthew Boyd‘s 5.3 K/9 was among the bottom 10 in the Majors (min. 35 IP), as far as starting pitchers are concerned.

Kevin Gausman, acquired at the deadline from the Blue Jays, allowed 11 home runs over over 50.1 IP. And, he now has a shoulder issue.

Shota Imanaga, no stranger to home runs allowed, has been fine, with a sub-4.00 ERA despite being stung by the home run ball.

Needless to say, the Cubs have a rotation filled with notable names. But at the same, a lot of variability.

Navigating the bullpen

If you were to look at the Cubs’ bullpen ERA (3.93) this season, roughly middle of the pack, it would seem like things are fine. However, that really hasn’t been the case, particularly down the stretch.

The Cubs had trouble yet again with the late innings. Last year, Ryan Pressly lasted just one month as the team’s high-leverage man. He eventually gave way to Daniel Palencia, who entered 2026 in that same role but was hurt for a good chunk of the year.

Jacob Webb saw a good amount of time as the top reliever in the Cubs’ bullpen. However, the Cubs let a lot of games get away from them, including two times in Milwaukee during September, plus during the last week of 2026 against the Marlins.

Overall, the Cubs’ bullpen allowed 89 total home runs, fifth-most in the Majors. Again, sometimes numbers don’t necessarily mean what one thinks.

What’s ahead?

The Cubs should have Bregman back for the playoffs. He was in the lineup on the 25th, giving him some room to work after a couple of days off. A big relief for the team.

And as far as what the Cubs have to do in October to win, it may rely heavily on the offense doing much of the heavy lifting.