Boston finished 26th in the majors in home runs. The Cubs built a rotation with the idea the lineup would cover up the warts. Houston needed a club-record 19 starting pitches to get through 162 games.
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The postseason found the fatal flaws.
Here's what sank each team and what it will take for them to get back stronger next fall.
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong steals second base in front of the tag by Jake Cronenworth during the third inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
TheNew York Yankeesand the Boston Red Sox stand during the national anthem prior to game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox tags out George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees for a double play during the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario throws to first for an out during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees celebrates on second base after hitting double to center field against Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
Chicago White Soxpitcher Grant Taylor (31) reacts with Chicago catcher Kyle Teel (8) after game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
Houston Astrossecond baseman Jose Altuve (27) stretches to first base to hit a RBI single in the eighth inning against Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
TheHouston Astrosline up for the beginning of the game against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
Colson Montgomery #12 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Lucas Spence of the Houston Astros watches as a home run hit by Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox clears the fence in the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Manager Joe Espada of the Houston Astros relieves Bryan King #74 in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Chicago White Soxshortstop Colson Montgomery gets hit by a pitch in the seocnd inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into home plate to score a run past Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into second base in front of Jeremy Pe–a of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
ThePhiladelphia Philliesline up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies equipment in the dugout before the game against theAtlanta Bravesin game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A general view before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is tagged out by Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws out Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Derek Hill (49) in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber breaks his bat in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
A detailed view of the shoes of Mauricio Dubon of the Atlanta Braves as he sits on the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Bryan de la Cruz of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves reacts as he scores off an RBI triple by Ozzie Albies during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong steals second base in front of the tag by Jake Cronenworth during the third inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
TheNew York Yankeesand the Boston Red Sox stand during the national anthem prior to game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox tags out George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees for a double play during the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario throws to first for an out during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees celebrates on second base after hitting double to center field against Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago White Soxpitcher Grant Taylor (31) reacts with Chicago catcher Kyle Teel (8) after game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
10/28
2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Houston Astrossecond baseman Jose Altuve (27) stretches to first base to hit a RBI single in the eighth inning against Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
TheHouston Astrosline up for the beginning of the game against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Colson Montgomery #12 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Lucas Spence of the Houston Astros watches as a home run hit by Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox clears the fence in the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Manager Joe Espada of the Houston Astros relieves Bryan King #74 in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago White Soxshortstop Colson Montgomery gets hit by a pitch in the seocnd inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into home plate to score a run past Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into second base in front of Jeremy Pe–a of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
ThePhiladelphia Philliesline up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies equipment in the dugout before the game against theAtlanta Bravesin game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A general view before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is tagged out by Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws out Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Derek Hill (49) in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber breaks his bat in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A detailed view of the shoes of Mauricio Dubon of the Atlanta Braves as he sits on the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Bryan de la Cruz of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves reacts as he scores off an RBI triple by Ozzie Albies during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
The Cubs lineup was supposed to carry them. For six months, it did.
Chicago led the majors in runs and hit 220 home runs. Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the 40-40 club. Most nights, the lineup covered up the Cubs fatal flaw: pitching.
The rotation was flawed from the start. Shota Imanaga allowed 34 home runs, the most in the majors. They tried to fix it by acquiring Kevin Gausman, who posted a 5.04 ERA after the trade, and Clay Holmes, who had never started a postseason game.
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The plan was to outscore everybody and it lasted for one inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado homered off Matthew Boyd in the first inning of Game 1. Michael King took it from there.
The Cubs went 8-for-62, a .129 batting average over the two games.
The fix starts on the mound. Imanaga, Gausman, Boyd and Holmes are all headed to free agency, so Chicago is rebuilding the rotation. Help is coming, just not soon. Cade Horton, who finished second in 2025 Rookie of the Year voting, had Tommy John surgery in April. Justin Steele, a 2023 All-Star and under contract through 2027, will be back from his second elbow surgery. Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs' top prospect, can hit 100 mph, but also had a 7.83 ERA in Triple-A.
The Cubs have to spend on a stopper, one starter they can rely on and give the ball to for Game 1. They need to go all in on a pitcher, so why not go for broke with Tarik Skubal, the two-time American League Cy Young winner. He is going to be expensive, but he turns them into a contender.
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Why Boston Red Sox lost to New York Yankees
Willson Contreras' solo homer in the sixth inning of Game 2 ended a streak of 26 2/3 innings without a run for the Red Sox.
Boston scored two runs in two games.
The offense looked a lot like the one Boston had all season. The Red Sox finished 23rd in the majors in runs and 26th in home runs. Against the Yankees, they managed seven hits in 18 innings.
The lack of runs shaped everything else.
First-year manager Chad Tracy pulled both his starters, Payton Tolle and Sonny Gray, with two outs in the fifth inning and Boston trailing 1-0. He said he felt he had to be aggressive because the team could not score.
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He managed like one run would beat him and with the lineup he had, it could.
The fix is getting what general manager Craig Breslow dealt away in 2025 and hasn't replaced: a middle-of-the-order power hitter - or two.
Brandon Lowe, who hit 35 homers for Pittsburgh, is a free agent they could probably get at a bargain. Boston also needs more from players already on the roster. Jarren Duran's production has dropped two years running, and Roman Anthony needs to stay healthy.
He had a 2.68 ERA over an eight-start stretch late in the season, the closest thing Houston had to a sure thing. The White Sox scored four runs on him and chased him in the first inning. The offense rallied to within a run, but the bullpen couldn't hold it and the season was over.
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Houston's rotation spent most of 2026 on the injured list. Brown strained his shoulder in April. Tatsuya Imai and Cristian Javier went down within weeks. The Astros were 20-31 by mid-May and used a franchise-record 19 starting pitchers. Their starters carried a 4.97 ERA, 28th in the majors, into September. The staff walked 628 batters, the most in the American League.
Yordan Alvarez is the only reason the Astros were able to pull out the American League West title with an 81-81 record. He won the AL batting title at .316, hit 42 homers and led the majors in on-base and slugging percentage. He is under contract through 2028. Since he signed a six-year extension in 2022, the Astros have won one playoff series. They are wasting his prime without pitching.
The fix is two dependable starters to slot in behind Brown. Imai can opt out of his three-year, $54 million deal. Mike Burrows had a 5.99 ERA before he went on the injured list. Javier has been up and down when healthy. None of them is a sure thing for 2027.
Michael King has an opt-out after this season. Though he missed chunks of time with a thoracic-outlet nerve issue and a knee inflammation, he just threw a gem in the wild card round.
