“We know how much this team and this city care about winning. We owe more playoff baseball to this fan base—they’ve supported us through everything, and they deserve more. It’s tough now, but we’ll use this pain to drive us and come back stronger next year.”
— Pete Crow-Armstrong
The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday night, as they fell 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the
NLDS. The loss marks a disappointing exit, but it also symbolizes the growth and promise of a young team that fought valiantly to make their playoff return. Despite the sting of elimination, the Cubs’ resolve remains strong, and they are defiant in their belief that they owe more to their loyal fan base.
The Cubs exceeded expectations this season, winning 92 games, surpassing projections, and proving their worth with a thrilling Wild Card Series victory over the San Diego Padres. After overcoming a
0-2 deficit in the NLDS to force a Game 5, their postsea
son run fell just short. Still, their effort wasn’t without merit. Despite struggling with 5-for-40 performance with runners in scoring position, the Cubs left it all on the field, and their growth was evident.
Manager Craig Counsell took time to reflect on the team’s effort and growth, acknowledging the tough loss but also praising the team’s fight. “We didn’t get it done today, and that hurts. Man, it doesn’t feel good, but I think when you zoom back a little bit, we did some good things as well… I’m disappointed, I’m sad. I think this team did a lot to honor the Chicago Cubs uniform.”
For Pete Crow-Armstrong, the 23-year-old emerging superstar, the loss hit hard, and emotions ran high. Holding back tears, he spoke candidly about the pain of the elimination, the disappointment of the fans, and the uncertainty of next season.
“We know how much this team and this city care about winning. We owe more playoff baseball to this fan base—they’ve supported us through everything, and they deserve more. It’s tough now, but we’ll use this pain to drive us and come back stronger next year.”
Matthew Boyd, the Cubs’ lefty starter, echoed Crow-Armstrong’s sentiments, finding motivation in the sting of the loss. “When you get to put on those pinstripes, it’s really special and it’s something you realize it’s bigger than you,”
Boyd said. “We gave it everything we got. We’re going to use that experience to get to where we want to go next year and do everything we can to avoid this feeling next season.”
Shota Imanaga, who struggled during the postseason, added, “Feel that pain of that loss and carry that into the offseason and use that… that’s going to help me build to become a better player.”
Crow-Armstrong, reflecting on the electric atmosphere at Wrigley Field during the NLDS, remained optimistic, adding, “Those were two of the best games of my life… more motivation to be able to do it year in and year out.”
As the Cubs process the pain of this elimination, they are determined to use it as fuel for next season. The team’s growth and grit have set the stage for a bright future, and they are committed to returning to the playoffs, stronger and more prepared. The Cubs’ fan base, who has supported them through thick and thin, can take solace in the knowledge that the team is hungry for more and ready to give them even more playoff baseball in the years to come.
