Despite last year’s success, oddsmakers place the Cubs outside the top ten. See why their well-rounded offense deserves higher recognition.
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Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I’m Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs.
I’m Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs.
When the Cubs enter the 2026 season, they, they have a solid, well-rounded group from number one to number ten.
When the Cubs enter the 2026 season, they, they have a solid, well-rounded group from number one to number ten.
From top to bottom, it feels like the Cubs have a nice offensive team heading into 2026.
From top to bottom, it feels like the Cubs have a nice offensive team heading into 2026.
And now, a lot of the lineup is the same from last year.
And now, a lot of the lineup is the same from last year.
The only major differences are, you know, Moises Ballesteros will probably have more, much more of a role in the lineup, probably replacing Matt Shaw, and Alex Bregman replaces Kyle Tucker.
The only major differences are, you know, Moises Ballesteros will probably have more, much more of a role in the lineup, probably replacing Matt Shaw, and Alex Bregman replaces Kyle Tucker.
So those are the two biggest changes that you’ll see.
So those are the two biggest changes that you’ll see.
But Matt Shaw will still be involved, and he’ll basically be better than he was a season ago.
But Matt Shaw will still be involved, and he’ll basically be better than he was a season ago.
But those kind of changes are the biggest difference from the Cubs lineup last year to this year.
But those kind of changes are the biggest difference from the Cubs lineup last year to this year.
And last year’s Cubs team was a top 10 offense.
And last year’s Cubs team was a top 10 offense.
They were easily a top 10 offense.
They were easily a top 10 offense.
This year, I would expect them to be a top 10 offense again.
This year, I would expect them to be a top 10 offense again.
But one sportsbook in particular, BetMGM, came out with their rankings for the best lineups in 2026 ahead of opening day.
But one sportsbook in particular, BetMGM, came out with their rankings for the best lineups in 2026 ahead of opening day.
The Cubs were number 12 on that list, which I think they’re a top 10 offense, they should be a top 10 offense, but BetMGM has them at number 12 behind teams like the Astros, behind teams like the A’s, behind teams like the Padres.
The Cubs were number 12 on that list, which I think they’re a top 10 offense, they should be a top 10 offense, but BetMGM has them at number 12 behind teams like the Astros, behind teams like the A’s, behind teams like the Padres.
I think the Cubs have a better lineup than all three of those teams.
I think the Cubs have a better lineup than all three of those teams.
And honestly, when you look at what the Cubs lineup is, they have a bunch of players who have 30 home run potential.
And honestly, when you look at what the Cubs lineup is, they have a bunch of players who have 30 home run potential.
Seiya Suzuki, Michael Bush, P.J.
Seiya Suzuki, Michael Bush, P.J.
Armstrong.
Armstrong.
Then you have a player like Nico Hoerner who won’t hit the home runs, but he’ll constantly hit maybe around 290, 300.
Then you have a player like Nico Hoerner who won’t hit the home runs, but he’ll constantly hit maybe around 290, 300.
And then there’s players like Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ.
And then there’s players like Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ.
All solid, well-seasoned veterans who will hit 20-plus home runs and carry a solid batting average throughout the year.
All solid, well-seasoned veterans who will hit 20-plus home runs and carry a solid batting average throughout the year.
Those, those collective group gives the Cubs a top 10 offense.
Those, those collective group gives the Cubs a top 10 offense.
And honestly, the Cubs are probably closer to top five than they are top 15, which is what M, BetMGM believe they are more closer to top 15.
And honestly, the Cubs are probably closer to top five than they are top 15, which is what M, BetMGM believe they are more closer to top 15.
But the Cubs are more like top five, should be closer to top five than top 15.
But the Cubs are more like top five, should be closer to top five than top 15.
But let me know what you guys think about this Cubs lineup entering the year.
But let me know what you guys think about this Cubs lineup entering the year.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.