The Chicago Cubs officially punched their ticket to the playoffs today, marking their first postseason appearance since 2020. But let’s be honest — a lot of fans barely count that 2020 run. With the season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, it never really felt like a real playoff year. For most Cubs faithful, this feels more like the first true playoff berth since 2018, when they slipped in as a Wild Card team. And unless something completely bonkers happens up in Milwaukee — like the Brewers collapsing and losing nearly all of their remaining games over the next ten days — the Cubs are set to grab another Wild Card spot this time around.
Thinking back to 2018, the playoff picture looked a little different. There were only two Wild Card teams back then, and tie-breaker games were still a thing. That year, the Cubs had to face the Brewers in one of those extra games to decide the division. Craig Counsell — yep, the same guy now managing the Cubs — was calling the shots for Milwaukee back then. The Cubs lost that game and wound up hosting the Rockies in the Wild Card matchup, only to get bounced right away.
Fast forward to now, and it’s kind of wild how everything has come full circle. The last time Counsell had to seriously plan out a playoff run was in 2023 with the Brewers, when he led them to a division title. At that time, David Ross was still managing the Cubs. Even though Chicago missed the postseason in 2023, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer initially said Ross would return for 2024. But just weeks after the Cubs were eliminated, Hoyer shocked everyone by letting Ross go and luring Counsell away from Milwaukee.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Ever since September 2023, I’ve been saying this Cubs team gives me major 2015 vibes. Why? Because back in 2015, the Cubs — managed by Joe Maddon — faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in what was then a one-game Wild Card playoff. Over the last three seasons, this current group has shown flashes of that same energy and swagger. With their mix of young talent and veteran leadership, it’s hard not to think of that 2015 team — a squad that turned its Wild Card run into a deep playoff push and, just one year later, a championship.
The irony is pretty sweet, too. The Cubs clinched their playoff berth by winning a series in Pittsburgh this afternoon — the same city where that 2015 journey began. During the celebration, Counsell told the media, Our goal is not complete yet … (but) we’re going to have some fun today. (Source: Marquee Network)
On the field, only one person from that 2015 Cubs team is still around, and that’s assistant hitting coach Juan Cabreja. The same goes for the front office, where the lone holdover has since been promoted.
Here’s the thing, folks: while the Cubs technically still have a slim chance to win the division, it’s a long shot. This is a Wild Card berth, and a tough best-of-three series is waiting in just two short weeks. If they get through that, they’ll have to take on the Brewers again in the NLDS.
With that… The focus is simple: get Kyle Tucker and the other injured guys healthy and ready for October, and be ready for the grind.
This team is starting to feel like something special. So, if you can’t play with them, then root for them!