The Cubs Are a Playoff Team Still Searching for Their October Identity

CHICAGO — Twelve games over .500 should feel comfortable, but this Cubs team still feels unfinished. The Cubs currently lead the Wild Card standings, but they trail the Brewers in the National League Central. They have put themselves in position to make the playoffs, but questions remain about whether this roster is built to make a deep October run.

The rotation and bullpen have been hit hard by injuries. It has been unbelievable how frequently this team has lost an arm. As a result, the Cubs have had to rely on a revolving cast of pitchers, with Shota Imanaga being the closest thing to a constant. His record over his last three starts is 1-2, but he has kept the team in games, allowing just three runs during that stretch. He will need to anchor the staff as pitchers gradually return from the IL if the Cubs are going to make a deep playoff run, a role manager Craig Counsell was hesitant to give him last year. The bullpen has managed to hold up despite the constant shuffling caused by injuries and inconsistent performances, but relying on a bullpen to carry a team is not a recipe for postseason success.

That’s why the trade deadline looms so large.

The lineup has had its struggles this season as well. A few players are helping keep the Cubs in the pennant race. Seiya Suzuki has been the engine. When he’s locked in, the Cubs are a much more balanced offensive team. He’s arguably the club’s most consistently productive hitter, a fact that often goes overlooked. Nico Hoerner is also trending in the right direction after an uncharacteristically poor stretch. Like Suzuki, he has the ability to set the tone for the offense.

Not every storyline is trending upward, though. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s struggles began before the All-Star break and have continued since play resumed. For PCA, it’s not time to panic yet. Dansby Swanson has been consistent, but not in a good way. His .703 OPS reflects the inconsistency the Cubs have gotten from him at the plate. Ian Happ, long considered a Three True Outcomes hitter, has recently shown only two of them, walks and strike outs. While he remains a valuable clubhouse presence and delivered the game-tying home run on Monday night, he hasn’t produced enough at the plate to justify an everyday role.

The Final Cut

Twelve games over .500 and leading the Wild Card isn’t a bad problem to have, but Cubs fans know this roster still has real holes. Every close loss and every blowout is a reminder of where this team stands. The question facing the front office is simple: Will they go all in before the deadline? A reclamation project won’t be enough. The Cubs need a true difference-maker.

The Cubs are a playoff team, still searching for the version of themselves that can win and advance in October.