The 2026 MLB season has been a rollercoaster, and the Chicago Cubs are right at the heart of it. As we hit the midseason mark, it’s impossible not to reflect on the whirlwind of surprises and disappointments that have defined their campaign so far. Sitting at 54-42, the Cubs are in a fascinating position—five games back of the Brewers in the NL Central but still atop the Wild Card standings. What makes this particularly fascinating is how they’ve managed to stay competitive despite a season riddled with injuries and inconsistent performances. Personally, I think this team’s resilience is a testament to their depth and the grit of their core players, but it also raises a deeper question: how much further could they go if everything clicked?
One thing that immediately stands out is the meteoric rise of Pete Crow-Armstrong. Calling him the MVP of the Cubs is an understatement; there’s a legitimate argument that he’s been the best player in baseball this season, outside of Shohei Ohtani. What many people don’t realize is that PCA’s evolution isn’t just about his stats—it’s about his transformation as a hitter. Last season, he was good; this season, he’s elite. His plate discipline has improved dramatically, with a walk rate that’s jumped from 4.5% to 11.2%. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a fluke—it’s the result of intentional adjustments. He’s swinging less, especially at pitches outside the zone, and it’s paying off in a big way. What this really suggests is that PCA isn’t just a flash in the pan; he’s a cornerstone for the Cubs’ future.
Another surprise has been Ben Brown, whose impact on the Cubs’ rotation cannot be overstated. Before his injury, Brown was a stabilizing force, posting a 1.70 ERA and adding a sinker to his arsenal that kept hitters guessing. A detail that I find especially interesting is how his new pitch mix has extended his effectiveness into later innings. While the sinker isn’t dominant, it’s enough to disrupt opposing lineups. The fact that the Cubs are eagerly awaiting his return speaks volumes about his value. In my opinion, Brown’s emergence is one of those under-the-radar stories that could have a massive impact on the team’s playoff push.
What’s truly remarkable is that the Cubs are 12 games above .500 despite their pitching staff being decimated by injuries. Twelve pitchers on the IL? That’s not just bad luck—it’s borderline absurd. From my perspective, this highlights both the fragility of a team’s fortunes and the resilience of the Cubs’ lineup. But it also raises concerns. Even if some of these pitchers return, the wear and tear on the bullpen and the remaining starters could catch up to them. The trade deadline will be crucial, but it’s a risky game. Will they be buyers or sellers? Personally, I think they’ll go all in, but it’s a gamble that could backfire if the injuries keep piling up.
Now, let’s talk about the disappointments, starting with Alex Bregman. Signing him was a big move, but so far, he’s been underwhelming. His 97 wRC+ and struggles with runners in scoring position are hard to ignore. What makes this particularly frustrating is that Bregman’s plate discipline remains elite—he’s walking more and striking out less. But the Cubs didn’t sign him to draw walks; they signed him to drive in runs. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a classic case of a player’s stats not aligning with his impact. Bregman needs to turn things around in the second half, or the Cubs’ playoff hopes could hinge on his bat in ways they never anticipated.
Nico Hoerner’s season has been equally perplexing. After signing a massive extension, he started the year on fire but has since cooled off dramatically. His .202 average since May is brutal, especially for a player who relies on contact over power. One thing that immediately stands out is his xBA of .284, which suggests he’s been unlucky. But here’s the thing: luck only explains so much. Hoerner’s defense remains stellar, but the Cubs need his bat to come alive. What this really suggests is that even the most reliable players can have off years, and it’s a reminder of how unpredictable baseball can be.
Finally, the pitching injuries have been the elephant in the room all season. It’s not just the quantity of injuries—it’s the quality of the pitchers on the IL. Cade Horton’s absence, in particular, feels like a missed opportunity. If you take a step back and think about it, this Cubs team could be a legitimate World Series contender with a healthy rotation. Instead, they’re left wondering what could have been. The silver lining? The Brewers’ schedule is even tougher, and the Cubs still have seven head-to-head matchups left. It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened.
In the end, the Cubs’ 2026 season is a study in contrasts—a team that’s both overachieving and underperforming, all at once. Personally, I think their ability to stay in the race despite everything working against them is a testament to their character. But the second half will be a different beast. The trade deadline, the return of key players, and the grind of a tough schedule will test them in new ways. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the Cubs’ story is far from over. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the weight of their disappointments catch up to them? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: this is a team worth watching.
