Ten Years After Winning the World Series, Cubs Enter 2026 with Similar Expectations

The Chicago Cubs are entering the 2026 MLB season with the same elite expectations that made their 2016 World Series championship so memorable. After an impressive 92-win season in 2025, the Cubs have much to be excited about. The team returns a talented, athletic lineup, bolstered by a deep group of pitchers and an important offseason acquisition — three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, who signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the team.

Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell made it clear on Wednesday, as pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, that the team is ready to compete at a high level. In his first official remarks of the year, Counsell told reporters, “Everybody works really hard to create a team like this. You work really hard to build a roster that has expectations. That’s what we want. We’re truly excited.”

It’s been nearly 10 years since the Cubs broke a 108-year championship drought with their iconic World Series win over the Cleveland Guardians. Since then, the team has remained competitive, making the playoffs four times, including last season. However, they have yet to replicate the magic of their historic 2016 season, and this year’s roster might represent their best shot yet to bring another title back to Wrigley Field.

A Talented and Young Lineup, Headlined by Bregman

The Cubs’ lineup is a mix of youth and experience, with stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki returning for the new season. The addition of Alex Bregman — a two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros — significantly strengthens the roster. Bregman, 31, hit .273 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs in 114 games last season, providing a veteran presence and a proven track record of success in big games.

Counsell spoke highly of Bregman’s arrival, emphasizing his passion for the game. “We’ve added a really good baseball player who is just passionate about the game,” Counsell said. “It’s fun to be around people like that. We have a lot of people like that. So I think, from that perspective, he fits in.”

Adding Bregman gives the Cubs another established bat in the lineup and solidifies a powerful middle of the order. With Bregman now in the fold, the Cubs have a more balanced and dynamic offense that can compete with the best in the league.

Matt Shaw’s New Role and Versatility

While Bregman takes over as the starting third baseman, Matt Shaw, who impressed in his rookie season, will move into a super-utility role. Shaw, 24, had a solid campaign in 2025, hitting .226 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. He showed defensive prowess at third base and has also played second base and dabbled in the outfield.

Counsell plans to give Shaw more work in the outfield during Spring Training as the team looks to make him as versatile as possible. “Matt’s got a fun challenge ahead of him,” Counsell said. “That’s how I see it and I think that’s how he sees it.”

Shaw’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the Cubs, providing flexibility for the coaching staff to adjust the lineup as needed.

Pitching: A Key Strength for the Cubs

The Cubs’ starting rotation could be a major strength heading into 2026. The team added Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins, giving the rotation another potential ace. Cabrera, 24, went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in 26 starts last season, logging a career-high 137.2 innings. He joins a rotation that already includes veterans Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, along with rising star Cade Horton, who had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2025, finishing 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA.

While Horton missed the postseason with a rib injury, he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Cubs in 2026. “There’s still a lot to prove,” Horton said. “Now guys have a scouting report on me, they know my stuff. It’s all about going out there and executing pitches, giving our team a chance to win.”

Bullpen Concerns and the Daniel Palencia Factor

The Cubs’ bullpen remains a work in progress, but they have some solid arms that could help them get through key situations. One of the surprises from Spring Training was Craig Counsell confirming that Daniel Palencia would be the team’s closer if the season started today. Palencia was excellent in 2025, posting a 2.91 ERA and saving 22 games in 25 chances. Counsell acknowledged that the closer role will remain flexible, but Palencia’s performance has earned him the first crack at the job.

“There’s always going to be surprises in that area of your team,” Counsell said. “That’s how it’s going to work.”

The Cubs will need their bullpen to step up if they want to make a deep playoff run in 2026, but with Palencia leading the charge, the team has a good chance of improving in this area.

Optimism in Camp: High Expectations for 2026

With Spring Training underway, the Cubs are filled with optimism and high expectations. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer noted that this is “the best kind of spring training” because there is so much excitement and hunger to build on the success of last season. “I know the expectations are high — which is great,” Hoyer said. “The excitement in camp is palpable. The players are talking about it, the coaches are talking about it. They’re excited about our group.”

The Cubs are clearly positioning themselves to be championship contenders in 2026. With a deep lineup, a talented pitching staff, and a roster brimming with potential, they have the tools to compete for a World Series title. The addition of Alex Bregman, combined with the continued development of Jordan Love and a strong supporting cast, has made the Cubs one of the most exciting teams to watch heading into the season.

For Cubs fans, the wait for another championship could finally be over. The team has the talent, the leadership, and the hunger to make a serious run in 2026. As Wrigley Field readies itself for another season, the Cubs will look to take that next step and bring another World Series title back to Chicago.