Chicago Cubs Face Rebuilding Challenges After Playoff Exit

The Chicago Cubs’ season concluded with disappointment after a wild-card sweep in San Diego. Jed Hoyer, the president of baseball operations, offered reflections on the year. Despite facing numerous challenges, there was a consensus: disappointment.

The Season’s Trials and Triumphs

Hoyer described the season as unprecedented in his 25-year career. Challenges ranged from a mid-April bullpen crisis to a rotation scramble in late June. Despite these, there were periods when the Cubs seemed unbeatable. However, poor performance in September cost them valuable home playoff games.

Core Players and Future Prospects

Most of the Cubs’ strong position-player core will return in 2027. Notable exceptions include free agents Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. Hoyer emphasized the need for roster improvements, focusing on three key areas.

1. Strengthening the Bullpen

The Cubs’ bullpen struggled significantly compared to their 2025 performance. Key offseason acquisitions, like Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton, faced extended injuries, impacting the team’s performance. Moving forward, Hoyer aims to bolster the bullpen using both internal talent and external options.

Hoyer expressed commitment to improving pitching quality. He stressed the importance of developing reliable relievers within the organization to avoid reliance solely on free agency.

2. Enhancing the Rotation

Questions surround the rotation with free agency likely for Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kevin Gausman. Further uncertainty comes from injuries affecting Ben Brown, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele. Hoyer acknowledged the need to reduce home run vulnerabilities and improve pitching overall.

Edward Cabrera’s underwhelming season, exacerbated by blister issues, highlighted some of the rotation’s challenges. Hoyer stressed the need to capitalize on Cabrera’s swing-and-miss potential.

3. Anticipating an Active November

A possible looming lockout creates urgency. With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring, Hoyer expects increased activity in November. The Cubs may pursue deals with free agents like Holmes, Peterson, or Gausman before a potential lockout.

Hoyer emphasized the need for strategic creativity to address roster holes efficiently. Timing should not hinder making sound decisions for the team’s future.