How one inning could be a 'fatal flaw' for Cubs in 2026 MLB postseason

The Chicago Cubs have the likely National League MVP in Pete Crow-Armstrong and a strong supporting cast of star defenders and sluggers around him.

While the pitching staff is a bit questionable, trade deadline pickups Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, alongside Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, should make for a good-enough rotation in the postseason.

However, ESPN's David Schoenfield pointed out how one inning could derail their postseason hopes. That one inning? The ninth. Without a real closer, ending games could prove difficult this October.

Cubs could have a huge ninth-inning problem in MLB postseason

"Chicago Cubs. Fatal flaw: The ninth inning (Jacob Webb leads the club with nine saves)," Schoenfield writes. "It doesn't feel good heading into the postseason and wondering who is going to get the ball in the ninth inning."

The Cubs are going to be without a true closer for the MLB postseason, unless someone emerges in the next few weeks and takes on such a role.

Ryan Zeferjahn might've been an option, but he's been shaky since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels. Daniel Palencia has struggled since his return from the injured list, and their other options are not very exciting.

Edward Cabrera or another starting pitcher could take on the closer role. But looking at their current options and how things are trending, it's obvious this closer role is a huge issue for the Cubs.

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The ninth inning of games might prove to be a challenge. Their first matchup is currently projected to be against the Philadelphia Phillies. That could pose a serious problem for the Cubs.

This season, the Phillies have multiple improbable ninth-inning comebacks, including one where they were down 4-0 with two outs and two strikes before roaring back for a 6-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

If the Cubs cannot send out someone they can trust in the ninth inning, this might be a short-lived postseason run for the Cubs in 2026.

Their elite offense and defense can certainly help, but with a weaker pitching staff, especially in the ninth inning, the Cubs could be in trouble this October.

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