Groundhog Season for the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are approaching the National League Wild Card postseason for the second consecutive year after failing to capture the NL Central title. The Milwaukee Brewers secured the division crown once again, leaving Cubs manager Craig Counsell to acknowledge the gap between the two clubs despite owner Tom Ricketts stating an expectation to win the division earlier in the year.

The Cubs faced substantial roster adversity throughout the campaign due to severe injuries. Pitcher Cade Horton missed the year after undergoing elbow surgery, Justin Steele faced an extended recovery timeline, and infielder Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures from a foul ball off the bat of Michael Busch.