2026 Chicago Cubs Preview - 100 Wins or Bust?

We've finally arrived. Football season is almost over, Cubs Con came and went, and pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks. It’s been a busy offseason with more moves likely still to come, but Cubs fans should feel REALLY good about where this team sits as we enter February.

They added a high-quality starting pitcher in Edward Cabrera and an absolute killer in Alex Bregman. The two biggest needs were addressed well before the season even begins, and that matters. This front office didn’t wait around. They identified the holes and filled them with real impact talent.

For the first time in a long time, this roster feels intentional. There’s depth. There’s balance. There’s a real plan. And most importantly, there’s a path to October that doesn’t rely on everything breaking perfectly.

Let’s deep dive and get excited for what could be a season to remember before we enter a potential lockout in 2027.

Pitching Staff

Starting Rotation:

Last season we went into March with Ben Brown and Colin Rea as the possible 5th in the rotation. With injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, the bullpen was exposed quick. If the Dodgers can teach us anything it's that spending a ton of money on great players wins championships. If they can teach us another thing it's that starting pitching depth is vital to playing deep into October. That's what the Cubs have built here. They have a legit 6 man starting rotation for the first time in a decade.

Cade Horton should take a massive step forward and we'll cross our fingers for a healthy Justin Steele. We'll see if Boyd can repeat his 2025 performance and if Shota can get back to his 2024 self. Add in Cabrera to that mix and this rotation should rank in the top 5 heading into 2026.

Bullpen:

Daniel Palencia, Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton, Gavin Hollowell, Luke Little, Riley Martin, Jack Neely, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Ethan Roberts, Porter Hodge, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey.

Is this the best bullpen of all time? Absolutely not. But the Cubs pitching development staff has proven they can take projects and make them effective. Guys like Brad Keller, Chris Flexen, and Drew Pomeranz became key pieces of the 2025 playoff run, and all of them were tossed aside by their previous teams. I still think they need to add a few more arms, but it's a solid group.

I still believe Ben Brown could be something. He has all the measurables in the world. And I'm probably the only guy left in the city still believing in him, and I'm sure that'll bite me in the ass.

I'm also giving Daniel Palencia the keys to the closer role until he proves me wrong. And maybe that's because I'm just obsessed with the Gasolina fire video board walk-out.

Offense/Bats

*AAA Stats

Now THIS is a lineup. From top to bottom, there isn't a single easy out here. Add in a rotational Matt Shaw who should hopefully take a step forward and Carson Kelly, who will get extremely hot for stretches, and I truly believe this lineup can go toe-to-toe with the best of them. God forbid an injury hits the outfield and Kevin Alcantara is sitting there ready to pounce.

Prospect Watch

Kevin Alcantara (OF)

• 2025 Recap: Split his time between the upper minors and the big leagues, slashing .278/.353/.428 with 14 HR and 14 SB in 111 minor league games. During a brief MLB stint, he showed flashes of his ceiling, hitting .364 with a 130 OPS+ in 11 at-bats.

• Scouting Note: A true "unicorn" at 6-foot-6 with double-plus raw power and speed (29.2 ft/sec sprint speed). His main developmental focus remains cutting down a 29.8% strikeout rate and reducing a high groundball rate to fully unlock his power.

• 2026 Outlook: Despite offseason core-muscle surgery, he is expected to be a key part of the Cubs' outfield core at Wrigley Field this season.

  
  

Jaxon Wiggins (RHP)

• 2025 Recap: Emerged as the system's premier pitching breakout, posting a 2.19 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 78.0 innings across multiple levels. He finished the year at Triple-A Iowa.

• Scouting Note: Features a dominant 70-grade fastball that sits 96–98 mph and can touch 100 mph with elite ride. While his stuff is top-of-the-rotation quality, high walk rates (4.15 BB/9) and injury history suggest some mid-rotation or relief risk.

• 2026 Outlook: Wouldn't be surprised if he makes his debut sometime in June or July depending on need. Filthy stuff.

  
  

Jonathon Long (1B/3B)

• 2025 Recap: Named the 2025 Cubs Minor League Player of the Year after a massive Triple-A campaign where he hit .305 with 20 HR and 91 RBI. He led the organization in hits (157) and runs scored (86).

• Scouting Note: A bat-first prospect with above-average contact skills and a patient approach (16% chase rate). While a below-average runner likely limited to first base, his power/hit tool combination projects as a solid second-division regular.

• 2026 Outlook: Could be an option if something happens to Michael Busch or if Moises Ballesteros struggles. Would provide a bit more power than Mo Baller with similar contact profile. Could also see Long being apart of a deadline trade package for an elite closer.

  
  

Ethan Conrad (OF)

• 2025 Recap: The Cubs' 1st-round pick (17th overall) in 2025, Conrad signed for over $3.5 million. Before a labrum tear ended his season at Wake Forest, he was slashing a massive .372/.495/.744 through 21 games.

• Scouting Note: An athletic lefty with a big 6-foot-3 frame and an elite 92% zone-contact rate. He possesses above-average speed and has experience at all three outfield positions and first base.

• 2026 Outlook: He should rise quickly through the minors and should be part of the 2027 plan if all goes well.

  
  

Jefferson Rojas (SS/2B)

• 2025 Recap: A mixed bag season where he earned Midwest League All-Star honors at High-A but struggled significantly after a mid-season promotion to Double-A, hitting just .164 with no home runs.

• Scouting Note: An advanced contact hitter and only 20 years old. He features a plus arm (60-grade) and reliable hands, making him a steady defender at shortstop or second base.

• 2026 Outlook: Likely to repeat Double-A to start the year to refine his approach against advanced pitching. Could also be in that trade package mid-season but I feel like he's part of the future depending on his progress this year.

  
  

James Triantos (2B/UTIL)

• 2025 Recap: Spent the season at Triple-A Iowa, where his batting average dipped to .258 while dealing with nagging leg soreness. He still showcased his elite speed, swiping 31 bases.

• Scouting Note: Known as one of the organization's best pure contact hitters, he rarely misses pitches in the zone but struggles with a high groundball rate. His defensive home remains a question, with split views on whether he fits best at second, third, or even catcher.

• 2026 Outlook: Now on the 40-man roster, he is close to a big-league call-up as a high-contact utility option. I said it last year and I'll say it again this year, I don't see Triantos being on this roster come August.

  
  

Pedro Ramirez (2B/3B)

• 2025 Recap: Played the full year at Double-A, slashing .280/.346/.386 with 8 HR, 73 RBI, and 28 SB. He was named a Southern League All-Star and earned a Minor League Gold Glove at third base.

• Scouting Note: A polished switch-hitter with elite barrel control and a discerning eye. While he lacks top-end power, his switch-hitting utility profile and high-level defensive versatility make him a very safe major league prospect. He's 5'9" and kind of reminds me of a faster, better defensive version of Luis Arraez.

• 2026 Outlook: Will likely start the season at Triple-A Iowa and is a prime candidate for a mid-season utility call-up.

Bold Predictions

• Michael Busch All-Star

  • Snubbed last year, Michael Busch will finally make an all-star appearance

• PCA MVP

  • I don't know if it happens but what will happen is PCA will cement himself as a face of this league and HATED by our rivals

• The Cubs Will Score the Most Runs in the League

  • A lot of good teams out there but this offense is going to be a problem and I can see them leading the league in runs scored

• Bregman Captain

  • Maybe they don't actually put a C on his chest but Bregman will be the leader of this team. Coming out of the Cubs Convention it's obviously that all this man cares about is baseball and winning. Locked in from day 1. He's going to elevate everyone around him.

• Anthony Rizzo Becomes a Regular

  • Rizzo was named a Cubs ambassador after officially retiring in 2025 and I think we're going to see a lot of him around the Friendly Confines this season. Not really a bold take but more of something I'm just looking forward to. That pan to a waving Anthony Rizzo after the Legends of the Game montage is going to hit like crack.

• Cubs vs Mariners World Series

  • This is a little wild given that the Cubs have to get through the Dodgers but I'm making my call. It's Cubs in 6 over Seattle.

Dates To Circle On The Calendar

• 3/26 - Cubs vs Nationals - OPENING DAY.

• 4/11 - Cubs vs Pirates - 3 game series, find when Paul Skenes is pitching and go to the game

• 4/18 - Cubs vs Mets - A great Mets team coming to Chicago on a Saturday

• 4/22 - Cubs vs Phillies - Another possible playoff matchup early in the season

• 5/18-20 - Cubs vs Brewers - May series against the team that flew an L flag after beating us in 2025

• 5/22 - Cubs vs Astros - Good team on a Saturday with Bregman playing against his former former team.

• 6/4 - Cubs vs Athletics - Worth going to see Nick Kurtz.

• 6/20 - Cubs vs Blue Jays - Possible World Series matchup?

• 7/4 - Cubs vs Cardinals - This team blows but it's 4th of July at home on a Saturday.

• 8/1 - Cubs vs Yankees - Possible World Series Matchup?

• 8/3-5 - Cubs vs Dodgers - Possible NLCS matchup? Massive weekday home series against the best team in baseball (on paper).

• 9/3 - Cubs vs Brewers - Final home series against the Brewers during a playoff race. Hopefully it doesn't matter too much and we'll have a 12 game lead

  
  

Giveaways

Has not been announced yet but check back in for updates closer to the season

New To Wrigley Field

It was actually a pretty quiet offseason at 1060 W Addison. Not a ton of construction inside or out. This section might change after I explore opening day but for now...

• Panda Express

  • Panda Express is coming to Addison right next to the Tom Brady Card Store. Normally I'd say this is terrible for the neighborhood and another chain infiltrating a historic area. But Panda is incredible and you'll absolutely catch me with a plate of Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken sitting up in 420 on a Tuesday in April.

• Savannah Bananas

  • This will be an entire blog as the event comes closer but my worst nightmare came true this offseason. For years, the TikTokification of baseball called The Savannah Bananas has been growing. Infiltrating one small rural city after another indoctrinating children into their cult they call baseball. It bothered me because it's a low IQ version of baseball. It's like taking your kids to Disney on Ice and telling them that this is what professional hockey games were like. They'd be pretty confused when they showed up to the United Center and Connor Bedard wasn't wearing a dress, right? But if that's your thing, that's fine. It becomes a problem when you want to play this Mr. Beast shit at a historic ballpark like Wrigley Field. A ballpark where people like Ernie Banks, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson all played. Add to that list: Coach RAC, Jackson Olson, and Stilts. Disgusting.

Vegas Odds

Win Total: 88.5 (Up from 85.5 in 2025)

Odds to win the NL Central: +125 (Same as 2025)

Odds to make playoffs: -245 (Down from -140 entering 2025)

Odds to win the World Series: 18/1 (30/1 in 2025)

Edward Cabrera Cy Young: +5500

Cade Horton Cy Young: +7500

Bregman NL MVP: +2000

PCA NL MVP: +4000

Moises Ballesteros ROY: +900

PCA Stolen Base Leader: +1500

The calendar turned to 2026 and I can't stop thinking about this baseball team. It feels like a truly special season is loading. Veteran leadership, young stars, and a deadly rotation. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this might be a 100+ win team competing for a World Series. Beating the Dodgers won't be easy but I'll take my guys, my fans, and my city over theirs. With a potential lockout coming up in 2027, soak in every minute of baseball at Wrigley Field this year. I'll see you all at The Federal Landmark.