The Chicago Cubs are one of the baseball world’s early picks to compete for and win the World Series in 2026. They have made a big free agent splash, orchestrated a major trade, and have rebuilt their bullpen in an effort to get there. A day before their first regular season game, they have many people buzzing in regard to their chances.
But these things are similar to what they have done in each of the past few years. In each of the last three years, the Cubs have finished second in the National League Central Division… to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Indeed, the Cubs versus Brewers rivalry has become intense over the course of the last two years especially, and it all came to a head in the postseason last year.
The Chicago Cubs rivalry with the Milwaukee Brewers named a top MLB storyline
Chicago and Milwaukee have been fierce rivals ever since the Brewers made the move from the American League to the National League. This rivalry intensified prior to the 2024 season when the Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee.
Over the course of the last years, Cubs and Brewers matchups have seemed to mean more, especially to the fans in Milwaukee. But it would appear that the national media has taken notice, too. In his article in which he lists the 12 biggest storylines of the 2026 MLB season, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic listed the Chicago v. Milwaukee rivalry:
“Here we go again. The Cubs loaded up by signing third baseman Alex Bregman, trading for righty Edward Cabrera and remaking their bullpen. The Brewers pared down by trading their ace, righty Freddy Peralta, and the third- and fourth-place finishers for NL Rookie of the Year, third baseman Caleb Durbin and outfielder Isaac Collins.
“Will it matter? Does it ever matter?
“Prior to the 2024 season, the Cubs lured Craig Counsell from the Brewers by awarding him a five-year, $40 million contract, a record total for a manager. Since then, the Brewers have won two more division titles, making it four in five seasons. And Counsell’s replacement, Pat Murphy, twice has won NL Manager of the Year.
“Every year, people like me predict the Brewers’ demise. Every year, the Crew defies expectations. Their rotation without Peralta looks vulnerable, but the same was true at the start of last season, and Milwaukee won 97 games, most in the majors.
“The Brewers … remain the division’s standard. Just ask the Cubs.”
While many experts are picking the Cubs to win the division, they are doing so cautiously, stating that the Brewers have proved everyone wrong before and that it would not be a surprise if they do so again.
Therefore, it is up to the Cubs to make sure that surprise does not happen.
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