Cubs Lack Pitching Depth, Roster Flexibility to Win 2026 World Series

Chicago's rotation lacks a true ace, and the team's roster structure limits its ability to make impactful trades ahead of the playoffs.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Cubs are poised to be one of the better teams in the National League in 2026, but they face two key issues that could prevent them from winning the World Series: a rotation without a dominant ace starter and a roster structure that limits their flexibility to make big trades for impact players. While the Cubs have built a deep, reliable rotation, they lack the type of frontline starter who can take over a playoff series. Additionally, the team's focus on position player stability has left them with a lineup that is more about consistency than game-changing power, and their depleted farm system makes it difficult for them to acquire such a player via trade.

Why it matters

The Cubs' inability to acquire a true ace-caliber starter and their roster limitations could prevent them from breaking through and winning their first World Series title since 2016, despite being a strong regular season team. This highlights the importance of having elite pitching and roster flexibility in order to win a championship in today's MLB.

The details

The Cubs' rotation features solid options like Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Cade Horton, but lacks a clear frontline starter who can take over a playoff series. While depth is valuable over 162 games, elite teams typically have at least one starter who can dictate matchups and reduce bullpen strain in the postseason. The Cubs' bullpen also lacks a proven late-inning force who can consistently shut down top offenses. On the position player side, the Cubs have invested heavily in stability, building a lineup with a high floor but lacking the type of game-changing bats that can thrive against elite playoff pitching. The team's depleted farm system also limits their ability to make impactful trades to address these needs ahead of the playoffs.

  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in April 2026.

The players

Justin Steele

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is the closest thing the team has to a true ace, though he lacks the clear separation from the rest of the rotation that defines elite arms.

Hunter Harvey

A relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who offers upside, but the team's bullpen lacks a proven late-inning force who can consistently shut down top offenses.

Alex Bregman

An infielder for the Chicago Cubs who provides consistency and reliability to the team's lineup.

Dansby Swanson

An infielder for the Chicago Cubs who provides consistency and reliability to the team's lineup.

Ian Happ

An outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who provides consistency and reliability to the team's lineup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Cubs look more like a club designed to accumulate wins than one equipped to impose itself in the postseason.”

— Josh Davis, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“A bullpen game can finish a title run, not define it.”

— Josh Davis, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“In the postseason, where games often hinge on a few moments, that absence [of a proven late-inning force] matters.”

— Josh Davis, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Cubs will need to address their pitching and roster flexibility issues in the offseason if they want to make a serious run at the 2026 World Series.

The takeaway

While the Cubs have built a strong, consistent team, their lack of a true ace starter and limited roster flexibility could prevent them from breaking through and winning the World Series in 2026, despite their regular season success.