CHICAGO CUBS

The Cubs missed the playoffs four straight years through 2024, finishing 83-79, before rebounding to 92-70 in 2025 with their best start since 2016 and clinching their first playoff berth since 2020. The preseason trade for Kyle Tucker from Houston and his All-Star performance alongside breakout center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong drove collector attention to both players' cards, while rookie Cade Horton emerged as a National League Rookie of the Year candidate. The Cubs defeated San Diego in the Wild Card Series but lost to Milwaukee in the Division Series, and Horton's 2026 season ended after just two starts when he required elbow surgery, shifting focus to the team's trade deadline additions.

Where they stand: The Cubs are 68-49 and in second place in the NL Central as of August 2026. Chicago signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal in the offseason, and acquired pitchers Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Zeferjahn, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor at the trade deadline. Pete Crow-Armstrong is closing in on his second consecutive 30-30 season and drawing MVP consideration.