# Cubs want more than another brief October

> The Cubs are near the playoffs again, but last year’s short run has raised the bar inside their clubhouse.
- Title: Cubs want more than another brief October · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: The Cubs are near the playoffs again, but last year’s short run has raised the bar inside their clubhouse. The Cubs believe they have October-level bats and…
- Keywords: cubs, mlb playoffs, baseball, wrigley field, pitching, news, local, want, more, another, brief, October
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/15/cubs-playoffs-postseason-nl-wild-card-standings-brewers-phillies-braves-pete-crow-armstrong-craig-counsell
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:12:10.834+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cubs, mlb playoffs, baseball, wrigley field, pitching, news, local
## October is close
The Cubs are almost back in the postseason, but the wild-card race is still tight enough that their first-round site remains uncertain.

> The wild-card standings are tight enough
## Wrigley is the goal
They want playoff games back at Wrigley Field, where last fall they gave fans a home series and won the wild-card round.

> They’d like to be playing hosts at Wrigley Field.
## Last year still stings
The Cubs beat the Padres, then fell to the Brewers in the NLDS. That quick exit has followed them into this season.

> left a bad taste in their mouths
## The bar moved
Fans will expect more than a repeat, and the clubhouse feels the same. Making the playoffs is no longer the full measure.
## PCA wants better
Pete Crow-Armstrong said last year gave people a taste of playoff baseball. Now the Cubs have to bring it back and make it count.

> it’s time to do it again and do it better
## The Brewers are gone
Milwaukee has pulled too far ahead in the NL Central, starting Tuesday 9.5 games up with only a small slate left.
## The road may call
The Cubs are battling the Phillies, with the Padres and Diamondbacks close behind. That could send them away from home to start October.
## Counsell accepts it
Craig Counsell said every team wants home games, but the Cubs will not lower their goals if the first round starts on the road.

> Are we going to shy away from a challenge on the road? Nope.
## Pressure follows Counsell
Counsell arrived with big expectations after the Cubs hired him away from Milwaukee. He still has not cleared the Brewers hurdle.
## Players see the tone
David Peterson praised Counsell’s preparation and selflessness, saying it helps put players in positions where they can succeed.

> It starts with him and the preparedness that he has
## The group bought in
Peterson said the Cubs play for each other and stay aligned. He described a roster pulling in the same direction.

> pulling the rope in the same direction
## Bats and gloves lead
The Cubs woke up Tuesday with baseball’s best offense and best defense, proof they can match the goals they set in spring.
## Braves offer a test
Facing the NL East-leading Braves gives the Cubs a playoff-style opponent before October, the kind Matthew Boyd said can help sharpen them.
## Pitching is the worry
The starters have swung between strength and liability, while the bullpen has struggled during a late-season stumble.
## Confidence remains high
Boyd said the Cubs feel close to clicking, with their best baseball still ahead as the postseason nears.

> I still believe our best baseball is ahead of us
## Key takeaway

The Cubs believe they have October-level bats and gloves, but their playoff hopes may turn on whether the pitching settles in.