# Cubs' bats could bash way through playoffs

> Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman are hitting at historic levels, giving Chicago's best offense in baseball a chance to overcome pitching concerns in October.
- Title: Cubs' bats could bash way through playoffs · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman are hitting at historic levels, giving Chicago's best offense in baseball a chance to overcome pitching concerns in…
- Keywords: cubs, pete crow-armstrong, alex bregman, mlb, playoffs, offense, mvp race, chicago, braves, postseason, home runs, batting
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/16/cubs-pete-crow-armstrong-alex-bregman-offense-lineup-playoffs-postseason-braves-home-runs
- Published: 2026-09-17T03:28:14.524+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cubs, pete crow-armstrong, alex bregman, mlb, playoffs, offense, mvp race, chicago, braves, postseason, home runs, batting
## Cubs believe in World Series run
Despite winning only four of their last ten series, the Cubs still think they can win it all in October.
## Crow-Armstrong dominates MVP race
The center fielder hit two home runs against the Braves, bringing his season total to 44 with over 80 extra-base hits.
## Manager marvels at Crow-Armstrong
Craig Counsell said he's never seen anything like what Crow-Armstrong is doing in his entire baseball career.

> You spend your whole life in baseball, and you just don't see this happen on the baseball field.
## Bregman heating up in second half
After a slow start with the Cubs, the third baseman has been electric since the All-Star break with a 1.034 OPS in his last 58 games.
## Bregman nearly hits for cycle
He came one hit short of the cycle against the Braves, collecting three extra-base hits including his 26th home run of the season.
## Bregman overcomes early struggles
The third baseman was booed at Wrigley Field early in the season but has transformed into a spectacular performer since the All-Star break.
## Historic duo falls short of record
Crow-Armstrong and Bregman didn't become the second pair in Cubs history to hit for the cycle in the same season, which Billy Williams and Randy Hundley did in 1966.
## Cubs have best offense in baseball
Chicago's lineup ranks highest in scoring across all of Major League Baseball heading into the postseason.
## Pitching remains the question mark
While the Cubs' bats are elite, their pitching issues are glaring enough to raise doubts about their October potential.
## Crow-Armstrong loves the momentum
The center fielder said a clicking lineup makes baseball feel free and as close to easy as the game can get.

> It definitely makes your life a little easier when you just know that someone can get the job done at any second.
## Bregman on winning formula
The third baseman said the Cubs are swinging at good pitches and damaging the ones they get, which is what it takes down the stretch.

> We're swinging at good pitches right now. We're damaging the pitches that we get.
## Offense could overcome pitching gaps
If the Cubs keep hitting like this against opposing pitchers, their pitching weaknesses might not matter in October.
## Key takeaway

The Cubs have the highest-scoring offense in baseball, led by MVP-caliber performances from Crow-Armstrong and Bregman, which could carry them deep into the postseason despite pitching questions.