October 13, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI
The Chicago Cubs are officially heading home after falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games in the National League Division Series, ending a promising 2025 campaign with a bitter sense of unfinished business.
Despite a strong defensive effort and flashes of brilliance from Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs’ offense ultimately collapsed under pressure — and it cost them their season.
Offense Goes Cold When It Matters Most
Chicago’s downfall wasn’t just about injuries. The team entered the series shorthanded on the pitching side — with rookie standout Cade Horton sidelined and starters Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga struggling early — but it was the lack of timely hitting that sealed their fate.
Across eight postseason games between the Wild Card Series and the NLDS, the Cubs were plagued by inconsistency at the plate. Five players — Dansby Swanson (15 strikeouts), Ian Happ (13), Pete Crow-Armstrong (12), Carson Kelly (12), and Seiya Suzuki (10) — all struck out in double digits.
Only Hoerner, Busch, Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker provided steady offensive production, combining for half of the team’s 55 total hits and eight of their 12 postseason home runs.
Hoerner led the charge with clutch at-bats and consistent defense, while Busch continued to show promise as a future cornerstone. Suzuki’s timely hits and patience at the plate were among the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing stretch.
Kyle Tucker’s Missed Moment
All eyes were on Kyle Tucker, the marquee acquisition whose future with the Cubs remains uncertain as he heads into free agency. His overall postseason numbers — a .259/.375/.370 slash line with one home run and five walks — don’t tell the full story.
Tucker’s biggest issue wasn’t production, but timing. In several critical at-bats — including two key opportunities in the elimination game — he failed to deliver when the team needed him most.
“It wasn’t that he was bad,” one team source said. “It’s that he didn’t come through when everything was on the line. That’s what people will remember.”
After an uneven second half of the regular season and a quiet October, it’s unclear whether the Cubs will offer Tucker a long-term deal or let him test the open market in search of a more reliable middle-of-the-order bat.
Defense Kept Them Alive — But Not Enough
If not for their defense, this series might have ended sooner. The Cubs showcased one of the league’s sharpest defensive units, keeping the Brewers’ potent offense in check for most of the series.
Still, baseball’s October truth held firm: defense can save runs, but offense wins games.
An Offseason of Questions
As the Cubs enter the offseason, President Jed Hoyer and his front office face major decisions. The foundation is strong, but the flaws are clear. The team needs a more reliable rotation behind Horton and Imanaga — and, perhaps more urgently, a consistent power presence in the heart of the lineup.
Chicago’s 2025 season will be remembered as progress, but not fulfillment. They climbed back to contention, rekindled Wrigley’s energy, and gave fans hope. But until they find an offense that can deliver in October, the Cubs will remain a team that’s close — but not there yet.
