The Chicago Cubs currently hold the National League's second-best record, trailing only the Atlanta Braves. While it was the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to set the tone in the NL, it has been the Braves and Cubs battling for supremacy, with both teams holding the best record at times so far in the 2026 season. Now, Chicago has a golden opportunity to take control and send a message to an Atlanta team that has been a machine to start the year.
Chicago is at a slight disadvantage traveling to Atlanta, but still has a clear chance for a statement series that gives the franchise the league's best record. The Cubs and Braves are both among the league's surprise stories, with neither team expected to get off to such impressive starts.
It should be noted as well that there is an injury advantage for the Cubs with the Braves missing star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., as well as two young pitchers in Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach from the rotation. While it appears this hasn't weakened the team whatsoever, it does offer the Cubs the chance to play a team that isn't at full strength.
As early as it remains in the 2026 season, this feels like a chance to set the tone for the year ahead. A reason for the Cubs to have full confidence that they are among the league's elite and have a path to a potential postseason run.
Cubs Have a Chance to Set the Tone for 2026 Season with Series Win vs. Braves
A piece of the importance of this series is the fact that earlier in the season, Chicago was matched up with the Dodgers and fell incredibly flat. After an impressive comeback win in game one of the series, the Cubs were outscored 18-4 the rest of the way and lost what appeared to be a chance to establish themselves as serious contenders.
Yet again, this opportunity lies in front of the franchise, taking on an Atlanta team considered by many to be the league's best team. At the very least, the Cubs need to make this a tightly contested series and prove they can compete at the same level. While it would be ideal to win the series or sweep the Braves, simply giving Atlanta a great fight would be considered a bit of a moral victory after how things fared against the Dodgers.
No question, this week's series is as important as baseball can be this time of year and will have the complete attention of Chicago fans. The Cubs have a golden opportunity in front of them and every reason to believe they can catch a team sitting only a game ahead in the National League standings.
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