Disappointing End to a Promising Season
The Chicago Cubs' 2025 season came to a heartbreaking close with a Game 5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Despite showing promise as one of the elite teams in the National League and making their first playoff appearance since 2020, the Cubs couldn't overcome the Brewers' strong bullpen and powerful hitting. This defeat, which occurred on October 11 in Milwaukee, has left fans and the organization looking ahead to the offseason with pressing questions about the team's future.
Manager Craig Counsell addressed the postseason exit, expressing the team's determination despite the outcome. 'We fought hard, especially in those last games at Wrigley with the crowd behind us, but we just couldn't get over the hump,' Counsell shared in a post-game interview. The loss stings, but it also highlights areas of potential that the front office must now capitalize on to ensure deeper playoff runs in the coming years.
Key Roster Gaps and Free Agency Needs
As the Cubs head into the offseason, several roster holes have become apparent. According to team analyses, the lineup needs an impact bat to replace departing players like Kyle Tucker, whose future with the team remains uncertain. Additionally, the bullpen struggled in critical moments during the NLDS, pointing to a need for reliable relief pitching to support the starting rotation.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and the front office are under pressure to make strategic moves. Suggestions from analysts include adding a high-end starting pitcher to bolster the rotation alongside existing talent. 'The core is there, but we need a big bat and another arm if we're going to compete with the best,' noted one expert familiar with the Cubs' strategy. Free agency targets and potential trades are already being discussed, with names like Cody Bellinger resurfacing as possible re-signings to add depth to the outfield.
Moreover, the infield remains largely set with players like Dansby Swanson at shortstop for the next five years and prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong expected to take over center field. However, finding a balance between maintaining this core and addressing weaknesses will be crucial for Hoyer and his team during the winter meetings.
Looking Ahead: Building for a Deeper Run
The Cubs' 2025 campaign showed flashes of brilliance, but the NLDS loss underscores the need for a more complete roster to compete for a World Series title. Fans are eager to see the front office spend aggressively, reminiscent of their approach after the 2015 season when the team made significant investments following a strong playoff showing. Posts found on X reflect a mix of frustration and hope, with many urging the organization to prioritize key acquisitions over minor tweaks.
The offseason will be a defining period for the Cubs as they aim to build on their young talent and veteran leadership. With a good foundation in place, strategic additions could position Chicago as a serious contender in 2026. As one analyst put it, 'There are no excuses now—it's time to add the pieces that turn potential into championships.' The coming months will reveal whether the Cubs can transform this disappointing end into a stepping stone for future success.