The 2026 season has felt different for the Chicago Cubs from the first pitch in April. After struggling and rebuilding for years after the 2016 World Series, the Cubs last year, and to start this year, have looked like a true contender once again. Through the first half of May, the Cubs have played some of the best baseball in the National League, resulting from a combination of explosive offense, improved pitching, and late game heroics that have really gotten Wrigley Field loud this season. Their strong record has put them firmly in control of the NL Central and it is looking like they may be poised for a deep postseason run.
One of the biggest reasons for the Cubs’ success has been the breakout performances from several key hitters. Michael Busch has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable offensive players as he has delivered clutch hits throughout the season. During the Cubs’ dominant stretch in early May, Busch drove in huge runs against the Diamondbacks and Reds and has continued to show off his power in the middle of the lineup. Pete Crow-Armstrong has also become a star in front of the Chicago faithful. His elite defense in center field, combined with timely home runs and speed on the base paths has changed games for the Cubs almost every week. Crow-Armstrong’s game-tying home run against the Reds in extra innings helped continue one of the Cubs’ most exciting winning streaks in years.
Veterans have played a major role too. Ian Happ has been one of the most consistent hitters on the roster, extending long on-base streaks and providing leadership for a young lineup. Seiya Suzuki has continued to deliver power and RBIs in important moments, while Michael Conforto has added another dangerous bat capable of changing a game with one swing. Nico Hoerner has quietly remained the engine of the offense with his defense and contact hitting, helping keep rallies alive throughout the season.
The pitching staff has also stepped up. Shota Imanaga has looked like one of the best starters in baseball at times, delivering dominant outings against teams like the Diamondbacks and Reds. Jameson Tailon and Matthew Boyd have also given the Cubs quality innings throughout the year, while Ben Brown and Colin Rea have helped to stabilize the rotation when injuries have appeared. The bullpen has had some rough moments, especially late in games, but the offense has often rescued the team with some dramatic comebacks.
Recently, the Cubs have been tested with tougher competition. Their series against the Rangers ended a 10 game winning streak after the offense was shut out in back to back games. The rivalry series against the White Sox has also shown the Cubs are not unbeatable. In Saturday’s 8-3 loss, Jameson Taillon struggled as the White Sox launched five home runs including two from Munetaka Murakami. Even in the loss, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya continued to produce offensively, showing how dangerous the Cubs lineup can be. In the Sunday game, the Cubs dropped another game to their rival in a victory by the White Sox in which they walked it off in the 10th inning on a 2-run homerun to win 9-8. Even with recent struggles the overall feeling around the Cubs has been positive. This team has already shown resilience, chemistry, and the ability to win in multiple ways.
Looking ahead, the rest of the season could be very exciting in Chicago. If the rotation stays healthy and the bullpen becomes more consistent, the Cubs have the talent to remain one of the top teams in the National League. Their offense already looks playoff ready and the energy surrounding the team feels similar to past successful seasons. There will still be challenges ahead especially with division rivals pushing for the NL Central but this Cubs team looks capable of competing deep into October. Baseball at Wrigley Field finally feels meaningful again.