The Chicago Cubs, one of the most beloved and historic teams in Major League Baseball, have been struggling in the postseason in recent years. Despite having a talented roster and a loyal fan base, the Cubs have failed to make a deep playoff run, putting them on the wrong side of MLB postseason history.
For many years, the Cubs were known as the “lovable losers” of baseball. They had not won a World Series since 1908, and their fans remained faithful through decades of disappointment. However, in 2016, the Cubs finally broke the curse and won the World Series, bringing joy and celebration to the city of Chicago. It seemed like the beginning of a new era for the Cubs, but unfortunately, their postseason success was short-lived.
In the past four years, the Cubs have made it to the playoffs three times, but each time they have failed to advance past the National League Championship Series. This year, they didn’t even make it to the playoffs, finishing with a disappointing record of 84-78. This recent string of poor playoff performances has put the Cubs on the wrong side of MLB postseason history.
So, what has been the cause of the Cubs’ struggles in the postseason? Some may point to injuries, others to a lack of depth in their pitching rotation. But one thing is for sure, the Cubs have not been able to perform at their best when it matters most.
One of the main reasons for the Cubs’ postseason struggles is their inconsistent offense. In the regular season, the Cubs have one of the most potent lineups in the league, led by stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez. However, when it comes to the playoffs, their bats seem to go cold. In their last three NLCS appearances, the Cubs have only managed to score a total of 14 runs in 13 games. This lack of offensive production has been a major factor in their postseason failures.
Another issue for the Cubs has been their pitching. While they have a strong starting rotation, their bullpen has been a weak spot in recent years. In the 2017 NLCS, the Cubs’ bullpen had an ERA of 8.22, and in the 2018 NLCS, it was 6.43. This year, their bullpen had the second-worst ERA in the league, which undoubtedly contributed to their disappointing season.
But despite these struggles, there is still hope for the Cubs. They have a talented young core that has proven they can win in the regular season. With some adjustments and improvements, they have the potential to become a dominant force in the postseason as well.
The Cubs’ front office has already taken steps to address their issues, making changes to their coaching staff and bringing in new players. They have also shown a commitment to developing their young talent, which will be crucial for their success in the future.
It’s also important to remember that the Cubs are not the only team to have a rough stretch in the postseason. The Boston Red Sox, who won the World Series in 2018, failed to make the playoffs this year. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been one of the best teams in the league for the past few years, have also struggled to win a World Series title.
The Cubs’ recent poor playoff performances may have put them on the wrong side of MLB postseason history, but it doesn’t define them as a team. They have a rich history and a passionate fan base that will continue to support them through the highs and lows.
As we look towards the future, let’s remember the Cubs’ incredible journey to break the curse in 2016. It was a moment that brought the city of Chicago together and showed that anything is possible. The Cubs have the talent and the determination to once again make a deep playoff run and bring another World Series title to the Windy City.
So, let’s continue to support our beloved Cubs and have faith that they will overcome their postseason struggles. As the saying goes, “there’s always next year,” and with the Cubs, there’s always hope for a brighter future. Go Cubs, go!
