The Chicago Cubs’ 2026 season has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance punctuated by periods of struggle. While the entire roster has seen its share of ups and downs, a select group of players have consistently risen to the occasion, proving to be the linchpins of the team’s campaign. These standout performers, both at the plate and on the mound, have been instrumental in keeping the Cubs in contention within what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive year. Despite a majority of the squad experiencing periods of inconsistency, a few key individuals have emerged as indispensable contributors.
Cubs’ Standout Performers in 2026
The Cubs’ overall performance hasn’t quite reached the heights many had anticipated. The starting pitching rotation, in particular, has struggled to deliver on its preseason promise, and the offence went through a significant slump for much of May, culminating in a demoralising ten-game losing streak. However, when dissecting the reasons behind Chicago’s continued presence in the playoff hunt, a few names immediately come to the fore. One player, in particular, has found his stride at a crucial juncture, while another has been a steadying force, anchoring the starting rotation through its recent difficulties.
Cubs’ Top Hitter: Michael Busch
Michael Busch’s start to the season was somewhat sluggish, leaving a number of Cubs faithful feeling a touch concerned. His power numbers, in particular, lagged behind his previous year’s output, with only six home runs to his name early on. However, May marked a significant turning point for Busch. His bat came alive, playing a pivotal role in helping the team break free from their offensive doldrums. During May, he posted an impressive .300 batting average, blasted four home runs, and drove in 24 runs. Among first basemen across the league, he was undoubtedly one of the most impactful offensive players for that month.
On a season-long basis, his six homers are tied for fifth on the team, a respectable tally. More significantly, he leads the Cubs with a staggering 35 RBIs, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch situations. When it comes to manufacturing runs, few players on the Cubs roster can match his production. Busch also excels at getting on base, boasting a .370 on-base percentage (OBP), the highest mark on the team. Further underscoring his offensive prowess, he ranks second in on-base plus slugging (OPS) and third in slugging percentage. While these latter two categories don’t lead the team, they highlight a level of offensive consistency that few others can claim.
Cubs’ Top Pitcher: Ben Brown
Much like the hitters, the Cubs’ pitching staff has navigated a challenging season. Ben Brown, however, has been a notable exception, enjoying a breakout year that has defied the team’s broader pitching struggles. To date, he boasts a commendable 2-2 record with an exceptional 1.92 earned run average (ERA). Furthermore, he has racked up 53 strikeouts over 51 and two-thirds innings pitched. In previous seasons, Brown was consistently identified as a pitcher with immense potential. By expanding his pitch repertoire and refining his arsenal, he is finally living up to that considerable hype. His time in the bullpen was strong, but since transitioning into the starting rotation, he has been nothing short of elite.
Indeed, everything seems to be going right for Brown. His strikeout rates have surged, he’s been highly effective at limiting home runs, and he’s demonstrating an improved ability to pitch deeper into games. In terms of pitching impact, there’s arguably no one else on the Cubs roster who comes close to his level of performance. He has, without a doubt, become one of the Cubs’ most valuable players. His presence has provided much-needed stability to the starting rotation during a critical period. If he can maintain this exceptional form, and the Cubs manage to secure a postseason berth, Brown could very well be in line to take the mound for their opening playoff game.
Honourable Mentions
Beyond the top two, the rest of the Cubs roster still boasts several players who have earned significant recognition for their contributions and deserve to be considered among the team’s top performers.
Hoby Milner: Milner has been a formidable presence out of the bullpen. While the relief corps has experienced its share of difficulties at various points, they have shown marked improvement recently. Unlike many of his teammates, Milner has maintained a consistent level of performance for the majority of the season. This year, he has compiled a 1-0 record with a 2.49 ERA over 25 and one-third innings. While his strikeout numbers are not particularly high, with only 12 recorded so far, his reliability has been a key asset. He has pitched more innings than any other reliever on the team, a testament to his durability and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
Ian Happ: Another player who has provided significant offensive production, Ian Happ is someone about whom many Cubs fans hold mixed feelings. He has battled strikeouts and endured extended slumps, yet he remains one of the team’s most productive hitters. This season, he’s hitting .230, which, while only the sixth-highest mark on the team, is comparable to several other regulars in the lineup. His 13 home runs are nearly double that of any other player on the team. He also leads the Cubs in runs scored, boasts the best OPS on the squad, and sits second in RBIs, trailing only Michael Busch. Adding to his value, Happ continues to provide Gold Glove-calibre defense in the outfield. While the criticism he sometimes faces is understandable, he undeniably remains one of the Cubs’ most impactful players.
Final Thoughts on the Cubs’ Top Talent
The Chicago Cubs have benefited from valuable contributions across their roster throughout the 2026 season. Players like Hoby Milner and Ian Happ exemplify this, consistently delivering quality play and deserving significant recognition for their efforts. However, Michael Busch and Ben Brown truly stand apart as the team’s premier talents. They have been instrumental in stabilising both the offence and the pitching staff, areas that have otherwise experienced considerable struggles. As long as these two continue to perform at their current high level, the Cubs are well-positioned to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in the highly competitive National League Central division.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
