The Chicago Cubs' 2026 season concluded on Wednesday as the San Diego Padres swept them in the National League Wild Card series, ending their postseason run in a 2-0 series loss. The defeat marked the Cubs' second consecutive first-round playoff exit, following their elimination in the 2025 NL Wild Card series.
Outfielder Ian Happ, who has spent his entire 10-year MLB career with the Cubs, is set to become a free agent for the first time this offseason. Happ addressed reporters after the loss, expressing the emotional weight of the moment. "It's challenging. I've never had to go through the free agent thing," Happ said. "When you're in a place for 10 years, and you love it, and it's special, and it means something to you, it's a beautiful thing, but it makes it challenging." He emphasized the significance of his tenure in Chicago, calling it "incredible" and "special."
Teammate Dansby Swanson echoed these sentiments, describing Happ as embodying "what it means to wear the jersey." Swanson added, "He's my longest friend that I've had here. That probably speaks enough for itself. He embodies the Cubs more than anyone I know."
Offensive Struggles Define Cubs' Playoff Exit
The Cubs' elimination was compounded by a lack of offensive production, particularly from key players. Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0-for-7 across the two games, striking out four times, while Alex Bregman went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts. The Cubs managed just four hits and one run over the two games, a stark contrast to their regular-season performance, where they led MLB in total runs.
The Padres' pitching staff held the Cubs to a combined one run over 18 innings, despite Chicago's regular-season offensive dominance. The Cubs scored their lone run in Game 2's fourth inning, falling 4-1 in the series finale.
Padres' Machado Acknowledges Reporter's Wardrobe Change
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado addressed a viral moment from the series, where he questioned a reporter's choice of attire ahead of the Wild Card series. During a pre-game interview, Machado asked CBS 8 reporter Karthik Venkataraman, "Aren't you from San Diego? Why are you wearing blue?" The reporter later switched to a brown suit, which Machado praised before the second game. "You made a good adjustment," Machado said. "That was a good adjustment. ...That was good. I like it, I like it."
Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. set the tone for the Padres' series opener, hitting home runs in the first inning to stake an early lead. Both players posted an OPS above 1.000 across the two games, combining for seven plate appearances and five runs scored. The Padres advanced to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series after their sweep.
Cubs' Future in Flux
With Happ's free agency pending and key offensive contributors underperforming in the postseason, the Cubs face an uncertain offseason. The team's reliance on veteran leadership, including Bregman, was highlighted by their struggles against San Diego's pitching. Swanson's remarks underscored the personal and professional bonds within the organization, while Happ's emotional reflections left open the possibility of his departure.
The Padres, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for the NLDS, having defeated the Brewers in four of six regular-season matchups.