Cubs face offseason challenges after another early postseason exit
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 5:12 AM
Last updated Oct 1, 2026
The Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the postseason after being swept by the Padres in the National League Wild Card Series. Despite an impressive regular season featuring two 10-game winning streaks, the Cubs struggled with their pitching, ranking last in pitcher WAR. As they head into the offseason, critical decisions loom regarding free agency for outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, both of whom could leave the team. The Cubs must also address significant weaknesses in their pitching staff moving forward.
- •Cubs swept by Padres in NL Wild Card Series.
- •Season included two 10-game winning streaks and top offensive stats.
- •Pitching staff suffered from injuries and underperformance.
- •Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are set to be free agents.
- •Internal and external options are being considered for roster changes.
- 5:12 AMCBS MLB — What's next for Cubs? Biggest offseason questions after Jed Hoyer's plans fall short again
"Even with superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong firmly entrenched in the lineup, the Cubs have not yet proven they have a deep run in them
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 5:28 AMPadres silence Cubs' bats again, finish off 2-game wild-card sweep
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 5:19 AM3 Cubs most to blame for brutal no-show in Game loss to Padres
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 5:07 AMCubs Rapid Recap: Cubs season ends meekly with 4-1 loss to Padres
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 5:03 AMMilwaukee Brewers' playoff opponent in 2026 NLDS is San Diego Padres
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 5:00 AMDodgers NLDS Game 1 locked into 1 p.m. start time, on Fox
MLB•Oct 1, 2026, 4:37 AMNew Padres owner takes hilarious ‘dinosaurs’ jab at Dodgers — and fans immediately fire back