Cubs' latest defensive achievement solidifies their place in recent MLB history

The 2026 Chicago Cubs' defense has been lauded as historic by a lot of pundits, with some going so far as to call this group the best collection of glove talent in the 21st century. While I personally wouldn't go to that level quite yet, I am here to report on yet another ridiculous defensive milestone the North Siders have crossed.

Last week, the Cubs collectively passed +100 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) on the season (they've since slipped slightly below, but they'll absolutely pass the threshold permanently before the end of the regular season). That makes them the first team since the 2024 Blue Jays to reach that mark, and also puts them on pace to post the best campaign by DRS since the 2022 Yankees, who compiled a whopping +124 in the metric.

In other words: Yeah, this defense is pretty darn good.

Cubs' defense is creating a chasm between themselves and rest of MLB

Of course, DRS is just one way to measure defensive ability, and many people prefer more range-based metrics like Outs Above Average or Fielding Run Value. But even there, the Cubs are nearly lapping the field.

By OAA, Chicago leads the league at 61. The next closest team is the Arizona Diamondbacks with a mark of 37.

So, whether you want to look at their performance through a historic or contemporary lens, it's clear how much the 2026 Cubs stand out. That, combined with their league-leading offense, grants the team a ridiculously high floor heading into the stretch run and, eventually, October.

It's also why fans shouldn't lose too much sleep over the perceived gap in arm talent between the Cubs and other National League contenders this year. Yes, the pitching staff is by far the roster's biggest weakness, and no one in the rotation can match up to Chris Sale, Jacob Misiorowski, or the assembly line of aces the Dodgers or Phillies can throw at opposing lineups. But the Cubs' position player group can score and prevent runs better than anyone else in the sport, which is an equally valid (if less consistent) way to win in the playoffs.

But before we even get to that point, we should all take a minute to appreciate just how good the starting nine is on every given night. We may not see defensive dominance like this from anyone, let alone the Cubs, for quite some time.

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