The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 season as legitimate National Leage contenders after an aggressive offseason headlined by the signing of Alex Bregman (5 years, $175million). In an aggressive move, the Cubs traded top outfield prospect Owen Caissie (along with Cristian Hernanez and Edgardo De Leon) to Miami for Edward Cabrera in hopes that he can take their rotation over the top.
Though Chicago did lose out with Kyle Tucker signing with the Dodgers, they are hoping an infusion of young talent will be able supplant the numbers that Tucker leaves behind through some newer, younger players. Following a 2025 campaign that saw an early exit in the NLDS, the front office has pivoted by prioritizing high-floor stability for the lineup and massive infusion of swing-and-miss stuff from the pitching staff.
Lineup:
The acquisition of Bregman provides an immediate anchor to the Cubs’ lineup as his elite plate discipline, combined with defensive reliability at 3B, will allow manager, Craig Counsel to utilize Matt Shaw in a utility role; which deepens the Cubs bench. Michael Busch is coming off a 34-homerun season and will be the primary left-handed power source. Pete Crow-Armstrong is fresh off a 30/30 season and is the most dynamic athlete on the roster, though the Cubs are looking for more consistency with his OBP this season.
Nico Hoerner, coming off a 6.2 WAR season remains the leadoff hitter, and carries with him elite contact ability and Gold Glove defense. With the departure of Tucker, Seiya Suzuki will slide back into his natural RF spot and is looking to follow up a 32 homerun and 103 RBI season from 2025. Moises Ballesteros is expected to get the bulk of the DH reps as the 22 year old looks to settle into his role after coming off .298 average from last season.
Rotation:
The Cubs rotation for 2026 is built around a group that can absorb innings in which they hope does not lead into a significant drop-off in production. Shota Imanaga returns ($22million qualifying offer) to lead the staff after producing a 3.73 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP in 2025. Cabrera provides the raw power the rotation lacked last season as he’s known to throw 98-100 mph with a changeup that comes closing to match most starters’ fastballs. Cade Horton, after finishing 2nd in the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year voting, is looking to become more dominant as he added on weight and currently his fastball has been clocked at 96 MPH this spring. Jameson Taillon remains a reliable veteran presence as he showcases the ability to eat 170+ innings with a sub 4.00 ERA. While Justin Steele is likely to be sidelined until June, Matthew Boyd will provide a left-handed veteran look that balances the righty-heavy rotation.
Bullpen:
The bullpen has undergone a massive transformation. After losing several key contributors from 2025, the front office prioritized betting on veteran experience to protect leads. Counsell has named Daniel Palencia the Opening Day closer, who brings elite velocity (averaging around 100 MPH), in which the Cubs are hoping through his maturation process will be able to command the ninth inning. To support Palencia, the Cubs brought in a trio of arms. Phil Maton returns as the primary setup man, coming off a 2.79 ERA last season, and comes equipped with one of the best curveballs in the league. Jacob Webb should act as the seventh inning specialist and carries with him a career 3.00 ERA and specializes with inducing weak contact from opposing hitters. Hoby Milner is a left-handed submarine thrower who provides a unique, deceptive look that is known to confuse opposing hitters.
Projected Lineup
- Nico Hoerner – 2B
- Alex Bregman – 3B
- Michael Busch – 1B
- Seiya Suzuki – RF
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
- Ian Happ – LF
- Dansby Swanson – SS
- Moises Ballesteros – DH
- Carson Kelly – C
Projected Rotation
- Shoa Imanaga
- Edward Cabrera
- Cade Horton
- Jameson Taillon
- Matthew Boyd
Projected Bullpen
Daniel Palencia - Closer
Phil Maton – Setup
Jacob Webb
Hoby Milner
Shelby Miller
Porter Hodge
Manager: Craig Counsell (3rd season)
Projection: 86-76 (2nd in the NL Central)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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