The Chicago Cubs are on the brink of reclaiming their place atop the National League Central, a position they haven't held in a full season since nearly a decade ago. While the 2020 shortened season saw them clinch the division, the Milwaukee Brewers have largely dominated since 2018, with the Cardinals occasionally disrupting their reign. But as we dive into 2026, the Cubs are poised to change the narrative.
Last year seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Cubs to make a statement. They brought in Kyle Tucker and witnessed young talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch making significant strides.
Meanwhile, the Brewers lost a star player, creating what seemed like an opening for Chicago. However, despite these efforts, the Cubs were once again outpaced by a formidable Brewers team that set a club record with 97 wins.
Nevertheless, the Cubs made notable progress, making the playoffs and winning their first series since 2017 against the Padres in the Wild Card round. With World Series aspirations, the team has fortified its roster to match those ambitions.
The key to their success lies in conquering the Central and earning a direct path to the NLDS. Here are a few reasons why this could be their year, along with some potential hurdles.
Reasons for Optimism
Enhanced Pitching Depth
The Cubs learned a valuable lesson in 2025: you can never have too much quality pitching. Their bullpen struggled early, ranking among the bottom five in baseball, with a 5.03 ERA and issues from trade acquisition Ryan Pressly. They depended heavily on Jed Hoyer's patchwork approach, which cost them games until surprises like Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz, along with Daniel Palencia's emergence as a closer, brought stability.
Injuries plagued the rotation, with Justin Steele undergoing elbow surgery and other starters like Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad missing significant time. Without acquiring a new starter at the deadline, the loss of Cade Horton late in the season was a blow they couldn't recover from.
But 2026 brings hope. The addition of Edward Cabrera, fresh off a career-best 3.53 ERA, adds a dynamic arm to the rotation.
With Steele's return, the Cubs have a wealth of above-average options, ensuring they can weather any injury storms. They also invested around $30 million to bolster the bullpen with experienced arms like Phil Maton and Hoby Milner, along with potential breakout candidates like Colin Snider.
Alex Bregman's Impact
The acquisition of Alex Bregman, the most expensive player in Cubs history by AAV, is a game-changer. He joins an already strong infield, which contributed 11.5 WAR last year.
While replacing Kyle Tucker's offensive output is challenging, Bregman offers more than just stats. His leadership is invaluable.
From day one, Bregman has been involved with the Cubs' development system, connecting with young stars. Players like Crow-Armstrong have praised his mentorship.
His influence extends beyond the field, reminiscent of his impact during his time in Boston, where he helped prospects like Roman Anthony grow. Bregman's fit with the team, both on and off the field, is undeniable.
Challenges Ahead
A Tougher NL Central
While the Cubs have strengthened, so has the competition. The Brewers continue their strategy of trading stars for young talent, bringing in promising prospects like Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. Despite trading Freddy Peralta, they're projected to be the Cubs' main rivals with 86 wins to Chicago's 87.
The Pirates have also made significant moves, boosting their offense with players like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna. With uber prospect Konnor Griffin on the horizon and a rotation led by Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh is not to be underestimated.
The Reds, too, have young talent ready to make an impact and have re-signed Eugenio Suarez, who hit 49 homers last season. The division's depth means the Cubs face a challenging path.
For the Cubs, proving their mettle will require overcoming these divisional threats. With no clear ace in the rotation and a lineup relying on young stars, Chicago has work to do.
The Brewers remain unpredictable, and the Pirates and Reds are emerging forces. The journey to the top of the NL Central won't be easy, but the Cubs are ready to rise to the challenge.