{"id":151729,"date":"2026-02-12T00:43:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T00:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=151729"},"modified":"2026-02-12T00:43:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T00:43:26","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-exclusive-ten-years-after-winning-the-world-series-cubs-enter-2026-with-similar-expectations-can-they-reclaim-the-throne-or-will-the-weight-of-the-past-hold-them-back-fans-ar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=151729","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 EXCLUSIVE: Ten Years After Winning the World Series, Cubs Enter 2026 with Similar Expectations \u2013 Can They Reclaim the Throne or Will the Weight of the Past Hold Them Back? Fans Are Hopeful, but the Pressure Is On\u2026 \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ten Years After Winning the World Series, Cubs Enter 2026 with Similar Expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ten<\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs<\/strong> are entering the 2026 MLB season<\/strong> with the same elite expectations<\/strong> that made their 2016 World Series championship<\/strong> so memorable. After an impressive 92-win season<\/strong> in 2025, the Cubs have much to be excited about. The team returns a talented, athletic lineup<\/strong>, bolstered by a deep group of pitchers<\/strong> and an important offseason acquisition \u2014 three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman<\/strong>, who signed a five-year, $175 million deal<\/strong> with the team.<\/p>\n

Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell<\/strong> made it clear on Wednesday, as pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training<\/strong> in Mesa, Arizona<\/strong>, 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\u2019s what we want. We\u2019re truly excited.”<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been nearly 10 years<\/strong> since the Cubs broke a 108-year championship drought<\/strong> with their iconic World Series win over the Cleveland Guardians<\/strong>. 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\u2019s roster might represent their best shot yet to bring another title back to Wrigley Field<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A Talented and Young Lineup, Headlined by Bregman<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Cubs’ lineup is a mix of youth and experience<\/strong>, with stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/strong>, Dansby Swanson<\/strong>, Ian Happ<\/strong>, Nico Hoerner<\/strong>, Michael Busch<\/strong>, and Seiya Suzuki<\/strong> returning for the new season. The addition of Alex Bregman<\/strong> \u2014 a two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros<\/strong> \u2014 significantly strengthens the roster. Bregman, 31, hit .273<\/strong> with 18 home runs<\/strong> and 61 RBIs<\/strong> in 114 games last season, providing a veteran presence and a proven track record of success in big games.<\/p>\n

Counsell spoke highly of Bregman\u2019s arrival, emphasizing his passion for the game. \u201cWe\u2019ve added a really good baseball player who is just passionate about the game,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cIt\u2019s fun to be around people like that. We have a lot of people like that. So I think, from that perspective, he fits in.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\"Ten<\/p>\n

Matt Shaw\u2019s New Role and Versatility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

Counsell plans to give Shaw more work in the outfield during Spring Training as the team looks to make him as versatile as possible. \u201cMatt\u2019s got a fun challenge ahead of him,\u201d Counsell said. “That\u2019s how I see it and I think that\u2019s how he sees it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaw\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Pitching: A Key Strength for the Cubs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

While Horton missed the postseason with a rib injury, he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Cubs in 2026. \u201cThere\u2019s still a lot to prove,\u201d Horton said. \u201cNow guys have a scouting report on me, they know my stuff. It\u2019s all about going out there and executing pitches, giving our team a chance to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ten<\/p>\n

Bullpen Concerns and the Daniel Palencia Factor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Cubs’ bullpen<\/strong> 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<\/strong> was Craig Counsell<\/strong> confirming that Daniel Palencia<\/strong> would be the team\u2019s closer if the season started today. Palencia was excellent in 2025, posting a 2.91 ERA<\/strong> and saving 22 games<\/strong> in 25 chances<\/strong>. Counsell acknowledged that the closer role will remain flexible, but Palencia\u2019s performance has earned him the first crack at the job.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always going to be surprises in that area of your team,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cThat\u2019s how it\u2019s going to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Optimism in Camp: High Expectations for 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With Spring Training<\/strong> underway, the Cubs are filled with optimism<\/strong> and high expectations<\/strong>. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer<\/strong> noted that this is \u201cthe best kind of spring training\u201d because there is so much excitement and hunger<\/strong> to build on the success of last season. \u201cI know the expectations are high \u2014 which is great,\u201d Hoyer said. \u201cThe excitement in camp is palpable. The players are talking about it, the coaches are talking about it. They\u2019re excited about our group.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ten<\/p>\n

The Cubs are clearly positioning themselves to be championship contenders<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. The addition of Alex Bregman<\/strong>, combined with the continued development of Jordan Love<\/strong> and a strong supporting cast, has made the Cubs one of the most exciting teams to watch heading into the season.<\/p>\n

For Cubs fans<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> readies itself for another season, the Cubs will look to take that next step and bring another World Series title<\/strong> back to Chicago<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":151735,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-151729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 EXCLUSIVE: Ten Years After Winning the World Series, Cubs Enter 2026 with Similar Expectations \u2013 Can They Reclaim the Throne or Will the Weight of the Past Hold Them Back? 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