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If this were a perfect world, the 2025 season would mark the opening of the Chicago Cubs' contention window. Less than a month before the playoffs, it seems that the Cubs are a near lock to be playing in October, and with this being the first year of them doing so since 2020, conventional wisdom would suggest that their window is just starting to open. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel had an exercise, however, that suggests the Cubs' contention window may already be closing.
McDaniel ranked the core of every team in baseball, and the Cubs landed at No. 17. That could come as a surprise for fans, considering the Cubs have flirted with being the best team in baseball at various points this season, but once they realize the requirements for the exercise, it could become a scary reality.
McDaniel was only taking into account the players who are under control for both 2026 and 2027. In other words, when it comes to the Cubs, Kyle Tucker, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and Nico Hoerner were not included as part of their core. All of those players are free agents after 2026, and McDaniel also didn't account for Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, who have options in their current contracts.
ESPN just exposed the haunting reality facing the Cubs
It also doesn't help matters that the overwhelming expectation is that there will be a work stoppage after the 2026 season. Suddenly, 2025 looks like the start of the Cubs' current contention window, and 2026 looks like the end of it.
That reality is why many have questioned the stances the Cubs' front office has had since the MLB trade deadline. Reaching the playoffs year-over-over has been the talking point, but 2025, on paper, could be the only year they do so.
Given the work that is ahead of the Cubs after the 2026 season, they may want to work with Nico Hoerner on a contract extension. Of all the potential free agents the Cubs have after next season, Hoerner feels like the safest bet. Such an extension would give the Cubs more of a defined core moving forward, and hopefully, an easier path toward keeping their contention window open.