# Cubs believe they can still win it all

> Despite late-season inconsistency and a tight wild-card race, the Cubs insist their championship potential remains intact.
- Title: Cubs believe they can still win it all · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Despite late-season inconsistency and a tight wild-card race, the Cubs insist their championship potential remains intact. The Cubs have the offensive and…
- Keywords: cubs, mlb, world series, playoffs, nl wild card, michael conforto, inconsistency, championship, october, regular season, brewers, bullpen
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/16/cubs-world-series-mlb-playoffs-nl-wild-card-standings-michael-conforto
- Published: 2026-09-16T22:41:34.998+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cubs, mlb, world series, playoffs, nl wild card, michael conforto, inconsistency, championship, october, regular season, brewers, bullpen
## Cubs face crunch time
With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Cubs are in a tight National League wild-card race that will determine their playoff fate.
## Inconsistency strikes at worst moment
The Cubs have lost regular dominance down the stretch despite having baseball's highest-scoring offense and best defense.
## Brewers dominate the division
The Milwaukee Brewers ran away with the National League Central, while the Cubs have won few series since mid-August.
## Bullpen remains a concern
The Cubs' pitching struggles, particularly in the bullpen, have undermined their otherwise strong roster.
## Fans skeptical of October chances
At this moment, it's hard to convince Cubs fans that this team is bound for October glory given their recent performance.
## Players still believe
Despite the inconsistency, the Cubs remain confident in their championship potential and their ability to win the World Series.

> I don't think we've ever lost sight of what our potential is. We still feel like we can absolutely be the last team standing.
## Conforto's championship experience
Designated hitter Michael Conforto won the World Series with the Dodgers last year and sees that same special quality in the Cubs.
## Winning every series is the goal
The Cubs must win every series from now through the end of October to achieve their championship dreams.
## Recent series record is troubling
The Cubs won only three of their previous nine series heading into their rubber game with the Braves.
## Offense and defense are elite
The Cubs rank first in offense and have the best defense in baseball, but must improve their pitching to win it all.
## Focus on daily execution
The Cubs have been consistent behind the scenes all season, focusing on each new day without getting dragged down by losses or overly heightened by wins.
## Emotional roller coaster season
The Cubs have experienced wild highs and lows throughout their campaign, but must maintain their composure down the stretch.

> There's obviously been some really high highs, and there's been some pretty low lows, as well.
## Fan frustration is understandable
Fans are frustrated because they know how good the team is, but the Cubs haven't consistently performed at that level.
## Energy fuels the team
The heightened emotion and energy surrounding every game in September is a sign the Cubs have a chance to do something special.
## Focus remains the key
The Cubs have the unique ability to go out and focus on the job despite the heightened emotions and energy surrounding their playoff push.
## Key takeaway

The Cubs have the offensive and defensive talent to win the World Series, but must prove they can execute consistently through the playoffs.