That's a wrap, fans. The Chicago Cubs overcame a staggering number of injuries to make the playoffs this season, but went 11-15 in September – and 2-6 in their final eight regular season games – to lose home field for the NL Wild Card Series and have to travel to San Diego, where they scored just one run in two NLWCS games. Ya can't win if ya don't score.
Congratulations to the Padres, who steamrolled their way into the playoffs and are firing on all cylinders.
The North Siders' 89-win, second-place finish was an exciting ride, and Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic 40/40, MVP-caliber season was an absolute joy to watch.
Still, those injuries, some head-scratching roster and managerial decisions, and the imbalance between runs scored (1st in NL) and ERA (7th in NL and lowest among NL playoff teams) exasperated fans at times.
Enjoy the rest of the playoffs and look here for a more thorough 2026 Cubs season recap sometime after the World Series.
Thanks for following the Cubs Magic Number all season and go Cubs go!
