Thirty-seven hours after the Chicago Cubs’ season ended with a disappointing sweep in the wild-card round in San Diego, team president Jed Hoyer gave his perspective on the campaign. During exit interviews, the prevailing emotion among players and coaches was disappointment. ‘The season was unlike any I’ve experienced in 25 years,’ Hoyer remarked. ‘There were times when the situation seemed dire. In mid-April, we faced a stretch where our relievers were injured. In late June, we scrambled to fill the rotation. We handled these challenges well. There were also times when the team appeared to be the best in baseball.’
The Cubs’ performance in September disappointed fans. Poor play during that month, particularly in the last week, cost them home playoff games. This season, highlighted by the returns of some strong position players in 2027, has free agents Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki as notable exceptions. To improve, changes are needed, and Hoyer outlined three key areas for focus.
Bullpen Needs Improvement
The bullpen, once crucial in a strong 2025 season, struggled in 2026. Key acquisitions spent much of the season on the injured list. Players like Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton appeared infrequently due to injuries. Combined, they posted a 6.25 ERA in 35 appearances. Hoyer accepted responsibility, stating, ‘I did a poor job with the bullpen this year.’
Maton remains under contract next year, alongside returning players like Ryan Zeferjahn and Ryan Rolison. The Cubs need more from their relievers in 2027 and must improve the bullpen through development within the organization. This complex challenge is critical for future success.
Rotation’s Need for Swing-and-Miss
The Cubs face many rotation-related questions this offseason. Trading for Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kevin Gausman helped, but all will enter free agency. Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd may also become free agents. Injuries have added uncertainty around starters Ben Brown, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele.
Hoyer pinpointed a high number of home runs allowed as an issue. Addressing this will involve evaluating various aspects of player development and acquisitions. Hoyer stated, ‘It’s my responsibility.’ Edward Cabrera’s struggles in 2026, with a 5.96 ERA, added to the complications. Examining contributor factors, like his blister issues, could guide improvements.
Looming Lockout May Prompt Aggression in November
The expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement in December introduces uncertainty. Before the 2022 season, the Cubs signed Marcus Stroman before a lockout. Hoyer anticipates similar pre-lockout activity in November. The team might consider re-signing players like Holmes, Peterson, or Gausman if deals suit both parties.
Hoyer said, ‘We’re going to have likely an empty period there, but there will be activity in November.’ Creativity in filling roster holes is essential. Good decisions and mutual agreements are necessary to build an effective team.
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