The end of the 2026 season has been a difficult time for the Chicago Cubs. Chicago finished September with an 11-13 record and went 5-5 in its final 10 games. The Cubs ended the regular season at 89-73 and earned a National League Wild Card spot.
They lost both games of Friday's doubleheader against the Red Sox after dropping two games to the Marlins earlier in the week. San Diego clinched home-field advantage Saturday by reaching 90 wins while Chicago could finish with no more than 89. That sent the Cubs to Petco Park for the Wild Card Series.
But the weather added another layer of challenge to their situation. A nor'easter forced MLB to move the Sunday finale from Fenway Park to Tropicana Field in Florida. As a result MLB arranged a demanding travel plan for the Cubs.
On Thursday, September 24, they played a daytime game at Wrigley Field and then flew to Boston.
Chicago then played a Friday doubleheader at Fenway before flying to Florida. The Cubs were off Saturday and beat Boston 6-2 at Tropicana Field on Sunday. They then traveled to San Diego for a Monday workout.
The Wild Card Series begins Tuesday night at Petco Park. The first game was scheduled for 10 PM Eastern Time.
Alex Bregman gives Chicago one reason for optimism heading into the series. He returned quickly after suffering multiple facial fractures when a foul ball struck him near the on-deck circle. Bregman then hit two home runs in Sunday's regular-season finale.
Chicago still enters the postseason with important pitching injuries. Cade Horton underwent right elbow surgery in April and is expected to remain out until 2027. Justin Steele spent the season on the injured list while Ben Brown was shut down because of a neck stress reaction.
Pete Crow-Armstrong had an early struggle but later became the first player in franchise history to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases.
He finished the regular season with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases. He is considered a top candidate for the NL MVP award. The Cubs have won 10 games in a row twice and also lost 10 straight at one point.
The main question now is how the Cubs will handle this challenge. There is no easy path to a championship. The Cubs’ journey continues tomorrow at Petco Park.