The Chicago Cubs, finishing the 2025 regular season with a competitive 92-70 record and second place in the National League Central division, advanced through Wild Card competition against San Diego (3-0) before facing playoff elimination in the Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team’s postseason appearance marked a return to October relevance after competitive regular season performance, though ultimate playoff results fell short of championship aspirations. The season reflected both organizational progress and lingering competitive gaps the Cubs must address heading into 2026.
Regular Season Performance and Playoff Positioning
The Cubs’ 92-70 record positioned the team as National League Central runner-up behind division champion Milwaukee. The regular season showed consistent competitiveness, with the team competing effectively across most of the season before facing late-summer challenges. Pitching and lineup metrics showed competitive strength throughout 2025, with consistent performance across both offensive and defensive phases. The team’s ability to win 92 games demonstrated organizational stability and competitive roster construction despite known limitations.
MLB.com Cubs coverage throughout the season highlighted the team’s competitive trajectory and roster evolution. Front office decisions regarding player acquisitions and roster management positioned the Cubs for playoff contention, though ultimately not championship positioning.
Wild Card Victory Against San Diego
The Cubs advanced decisively through Wild Card competition, defeating the San Diego Padres 3-0 in the best-of-five series. This playoff round victory demonstrated the team’s competitive capabilities and playoff execution when healthy and motivated. The Wild Card triumph provided organizational momentum and playoff confidence heading into higher-stakes Divisional Series competition.
Key performances from Cubs pitching and offensive contributors enabled the Wild Card sweep, with the team’s depth and complementary contributions evident during the short series. The victory suggested the Cubs had constructed a roster capable of playoff success if execution continued.
Divisional Series Elimination Against Milwaukee
The Divisional Series matchup with Milwaukee tested Chicago’s depth and execution against a division rival with similar competitive resources. The Brewers advanced past the Cubs in the best-of-five series, ultimately eliminating Chicago’s October run. The series loss reflected organizational limitations that prevented advancing deeper into playoff competition and pursuing World Series contention.
ESPN MLB coverage analyzed the Cubs’ playoff performance, highlighting specific matchups, pitching decisions, and offensive struggles that contributed to the playoff exit. Divisional series losses often hinge on relatively small margins—fortune, execution details, and competitive matchups that separate advancement from elimination.
Cubs Roster and Performance Analysis
The Cubs entered 2025 with roster constraints and competitive questions requiring organizational focus. Key position players contributed throughout the season, though injury concerns periodically affected lineup availability. The pitching rotation demonstrated competitiveness, with multiple arms capable of posting quality starts and contributing to playoff competition.
Organizational questions persist regarding long-term competitive positioning, payroll allocation, and strategic direction. The Cubs have competed consistently since 2015’s championship, though subsequent seasons have produced inconsistent results and playoff success rates below organizational expectations. Management decisions regarding roster composition and financial commitment will shape 2026 prospects and long-term trajectory.
2025 Season Context: Cubs vs. Division
- Cubs: 92-70 record, NL Central second place
- Milwaukee Brewers: NL Central champions
- Cincinnati Reds: Division competitor
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Division competitor
- St. Louis Cardinals: Division competitor
Chicago White Sox 2025: Another Challenging Season
The White Sox endured another challenging season under first-year manager Will Venable, finishing with a 58-101 record—a modest improvement over 2024’s historically poor 41-121 campaign but another losing season requiring organizational rebuild. The South Side franchise continues transitioning through youth development and roster reconstruction following previous competitive windows.
White Sox leadership must balance competing for fan support and revenue with realistic development timelines for young players and organizational rebuilding. The organization faces decisions regarding coaching staff, player development strategies, and financial commitment to the rebuild process.
Chicago Baseball Market Outlook
The 2025 season positioned Chicago baseball competitively for October relevance on the North Side while the South Side continues rebuild. Both franchises faced organizational questions regarding strategic direction, resource allocation, and long-term competitive positioning. The Cubs’ 92-win season and playoff appearance contrasted sharply with the White Sox’ continued struggles, reflecting different organizational trajectories and competitive readiness levels.
FAQ: Cubs 2025 Season and Playoff Results
What was the Cubs’ final regular season record?
The Cubs finished the 2025 regular season with a 92-70 record, placing second in the National League Central division behind Milwaukee.
Did the Cubs make the playoffs?
Yes. The Cubs advanced through Wild Card competition by defeating San Diego 3-0 before facing elimination in the Divisional Series against Milwaukee.
How far did the Cubs advance in the playoffs?
The Cubs advanced to the Divisional Series round, where they faced playoff elimination against division rival Milwaukee in best-of-five competition.
What is the White Sox record?
The White Sox finished 2025 with a 58-101 record under first-year manager Will Venable, marking another losing season during ongoing organizational rebuild.
What’s next for the Cubs organization?
The Cubs will evaluate 2025 performance during offseason, make roster decisions regarding free agency and trades, and prepare for 2026 competitive season with organizational momentum from playoff appearance.
Looking Ahead: Chicago Baseball in 2026
The Cubs’ 92-win season and playoff appearance provide organizational momentum heading into 2026. Leadership decisions regarding roster construction, free agent acquisitions, and strategic direction will determine whether the team can build on 2025 performance or face competitive decline. The White Sox continue rebuild timelines requiring patience and organizational discipline through youth development process.
Chicago baseball fans have reason for cautious optimism regarding North Side prospects, while South Side rebuild timelines extend multiple seasons. Track Cubs organizational moves, free agent acquisitions, and strategic announcements throughout offseason for insights into 2026 competitive positioning.
