Ten years after winning World Series, Cubs enter 2026 with similar expectations

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 92-win season, return much of a productive and athletic lineup, have a deep group of talented pitchers and signed three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman during the offseason.

It’s safe to say elite expectations will be back at Wrigley Field this summer.

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Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t shy away from that reality Wednesday before the team’s first official spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. Addressing reporters for the first time in Arizona, he said “everybody works really hard to create a team like this.”

“You work really hard to build a roster that has expectations,” Counsell said. “You work really hard to get on a team that has expectations. That’s what we want. We’re truly excited.”

It’s been nearly 10 years since the Cubs beat the Cleveland Guardians for the World Series title in 2016. The franchise has stayed competitive since — making the playoffs four times, including last season — but hasn’t been able to recreate the magic or talent that famously snapped 108 years of futility.

This roster might represent its best chance.

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The lineup is relatively young but has experience, headlined by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki. Adding Bregman — a two-time World Series champion — on a $175 million, five-year deal should make them even more formidable.

The 31-year-old Bregman hit .273 with 18 homers and 61 RBIs in 114 games last season.

“We’ve added a really good baseball player who is just passionate about the game,” Counsell said. “It’s fun to be around people like that. We have a lot of people like that. So I think, from that perspective, he fits in.”

The Cubs also still have Matt Shaw, who had a good rookie season at third base and now is expected to move into a super-utility role because of Bregman’s arrival. Shaw played good defense at third and hit .226 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs, overcoming a slow start at the plate and showing considerable improvement during the season’s second half.

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The 24-year-old has spent…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ten-years-winning-world-series-192827550.html

Author : DAVID BRANDT

Publish date : 2026-02-11 19:28:00

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