Chicago Cubs stay outside top-10 in ESPN’s latest power rankings for 1 big reason

The Chicago Cubs, prior to the start of the 2026 regular season, were predicted by many to be one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. And for a good portion of the year early on, they were. Chicago rattled off two different ten-game winning streaks and looked like they might run away with the National League Central Division.

But since their last ten-game winning streak ended, they went over a month without winning a single series. Additionally, that unfortunate stretch included a ten-game losing streak.

Now, they have won each of their past two series against the worst teams in the National League, but they still have an uphill battle going forward.

The Chicago Cubs have some serious pitching concerns

Even when the Cubs were in the midst of their ten-game losing streak, many media outlets continued to rank them in the top-ten teams in baseball. However, along with their recent run of losing has come more and more injuries to their pitching staff.

It is an issue that could become a bigger problem as the season goes on:

“The Cubs’ pitching injuries have flown under the radar, considering the team’s offensive woes. Add two more to the list after closer Daniel Palencia was put on the IL because of right elbow inflammation on the same day starter Edward Cabrera left early because of a hand cramp.

“Here’s just a partial list of their other injured pitchers: Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Hunter Harvey and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins. It’s hard to see the Cubs making a surge in the standings with that many hurt.”

As Cubs fans are all too aware, their pitching staff has been decimated. But if this were not bad enough, Chicago’s lack of quality pitching depth in the minors has been brutally exposed. After all, the Milwaukee Brewers have several starting pitchers on the injured list as well, but have been able to overcome those losses because of their young talent.

While the Cubs should look to salvage their season by adding pitchers at the trade deadline, they also need to look to the future by getting some good young prospects.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Matt Shaw trade rumors receive a surprising update
• Cubs fans will be frustrated on Jed Hoyer’s latest Dansby Swanson take
• Cubs president offers no solace amid full-on pitching collapse

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