The Chicago Cubs showed promise in the 2025 postseason with standout performances from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton. Looking ahead to 2026, several players could build on their experiences to drive the team deeper into the playoffs. This includes recovering veterans and emerging prospects ready to contribute.
In 2025, the Cubs advanced past the Padres in the NL Wild Card Series and challenged the Brewers in the NLDS, thanks to breakout contributions from center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who won the National League Gold Glove, and rookie starter Cade Horton, who finished as runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year.
For a stronger 2026 push, Justin Steele's return from UCL surgery will be vital. The left-hander made only four starts last season but had posted a 3.10 ERA over 78 starts from 2022-24, earning All-Star honors in 2023 with 176 strikeouts in 173 1/3 innings and a fifth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting. Steele resumed throwing in October and targets an early-season comeback to bolster a rotation featuring Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Shota Imanaga.
Outfield prospect Owen Caissie, ranked No. 47 by MLB Pipeline, debuted in 2025 with a .192 average and .568 OPS in 12 games, including an opposite-field homer against the Brewers. Despite a 27.9% strikeout rate in the minors, his 13.2% walk rate and defensive skills in right field position him for a larger role, especially if Kyle Tucker departs in free agency.
Third baseman Matt Shaw, the 2023 first-round pick, overcame a slow start (.172/.294/.241 in 18 games) to hit .236 with a .716 OPS for the rest of 2025, accumulating 3.1 bWAR. Adjustments to his stance and approach against four-seam fastballs fueled his improvement after the trade of Isaac Paredes to the Astros.
Right-hander Ben Brown endured a 5.92 ERA in 25 games last year after a strong 2024 (3.58 ERA, 64 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings), shifting to relief with a high 92.4 mph exit velocity allowed. Acquired from the Phillies in 2022, he could reclaim a starting spot or solidify the bullpen.
Catcher/DH prospect Moisés Ballesteros impressed in a small 2025 sample, slashing .298/.394/.474 with two homers in 66 plate appearances, often batting cleanup. As the No. 2 prospect, he may split time behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya.
Reliever Porter Hodge seeks a rebound from a 6.27 ERA in 33 innings last season, marked by injuries, after his 2024 rookie year of 1.88 ERA, nine saves, and 52 strikeouts in 43 innings. With Daniel Palencia closing, Hodge could resume setup duties to stabilize the bullpen, which faltered early in 2025.