The Chicago Cubs currently sit 8.0 games back of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers and a single game back in the wildcard race. While it appears the division has fallen out of reach for the time being, the Cubs remain very much in contention for a postseason berth. It complicates the upcoming trade deadline approach for a franchise that appeared to be unquestioned buyers only weeks ago when they were sitting atop the National League Central.
Now, the Cubs are mired in mediocrity, leaving little reason for the front office to have a sense of urgency. One could easily argue that the wiser move is entering a reset and trading away veteran pieces in an attempt to help set up a meaningful 2027 offseason and a return to realistic World Series contention.
On the flip side, you're only one game back from a postseason spot, and it isn't as if the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves have been without their faults this season. The two teams have set the pace for the National League, but have both dealt with key injuries and slumps.
Chicago could look at this year's deadline as a chance to get hot at the right time and perhaps claw their way back into the division race and go into the postseason with a puncher's chance.
Cubs Have Difficult Upcoming Decision Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline
The worst decision that the Cubs could make is opting to sit in current mediocrity and failing to choose a direction. Whether it is selling off pieces or opting to pay what it takes to make a postseason push, there needs to be a sense of direction for fans not to grow even more frustrated in what has felt to be two very different seasons.
There was the hot start where it seemed the Cubs were atop the National League's contenders, followed by struggles that pushed the team firmly in the division's rearview and has left remaining questions as to whether or not there is any realistic chances of making postseason noise.
Looking at the trade deadline, this will be the flashpoint of the season, serving as the answer as to what the front office believes is the answer to the current mediocrity. Whether it is swinging for the fences and targeting top trade targets, or jettisoning veterans in favor of brightening the future, both avenues can be argued for making the coming weeks extremely telling for a franchise currently stuck in neutral.
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