Who Needs to Step Up for the 2026 Cubs Playoff Run
The Cubs' playoff journey is set to begin, as they will travel to San Diego to face the Padres. The regular season was up and down, but that part of the year is behind them. Postseason baseball is always different, and Chicago will have to put the past behind. If they wish to move on …
The Chicago Cubs are about to commence their playoff run, beginning with a game against the San Diego Padres. The regular season has been a mixed bag for the Cubs, but the postseason will be a different story. If the Cubs hope to advance and face the Brewers, certain players must step up to the challenge. Matthew Boyd, a key member of the Cubs' rotation, has been instrumental this season, going 10-5 with a 3.91 ERA.
However, he will need to improve to be more reliable in the postseason, where starting pitchers are expected to go six or seven innings. The Cubs' bullpen has struggled recently, but three key arms—Jacob Webb, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Daniel Palencia—must rise to the occasion. Palencia in particular has been performing well recently, so he could be the answer to Chicago's closer needs.
Michael Busch has had a solid year, but his batting average has dipped compared to previous seasons. With the Cubs' offense slowing down, Busch could provide the power needed to turn the game around. The Cubs and Padres are set to open their series, with the Padres showing strong form while the Cubs have struggled. For the Cubs to move forward in the postseason, these players must step up to the plate and deliver under pressure.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
