One former Cubs infielder just painfully explained everything going wrong with 2026 season

Just when it seemed the Chicago Cubs were turning a corner, preparing to stack wins, they were reminded of everything that has plagued their 2026 season during their 5-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.

There was another pitching injury, Edward Cabrera leaving the game with cramp in his pitching hand. The Cubs also struggled with runners in scoring position, going hitless eight plate appearances.

What has become frustrating is that, internally, the impression has been that the Cubs aren't acting with urgency. Look no further than how Jed Hoyer responded to the idea that Dansby Swanson should be removed from the starting lineup, doubling down on the idea that his defense aligns with the team's run prevention model.

As for the players, responses like the one Ian Happ had recently has also been a part of the problem. Happ continues to say that the Cubs aren't worried about the standings in June, but the reality is the Milwaukee Brewers might have already shut the door on the idea of the Cubs' winning the division.

I’m so sick of hearing this sentiment. You can also do stuff instead of just waiting for the law of averages lol for example Happ can cut down his swing in clutch situations..just a bit! Especially with 2 strikes.
— Savion (@Savy2Smooth) June 16, 2026

Cubs aren't fooling anyone with their stubbornness

The Cubs' idea that things will level out has become a tiresome. Especially since the act itself hasn't exactly meant what the Cubs think it does. Yes, the Cubs were a playoff team, but many of the same flaws that were exposed during the season was the primary reason why they ran out gas against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.

That is what the Cubs are avoiding to recognize. Fortunately, there's a former Cubs infielder willing to talk about those issues. Jason Kipnis has been doing work for Marquee Sports Network this season, and seemingly said what every Cubs fans has been thinking after Tuesday's loss.

Sheesh, Kipnis is blasting this Cubs team right now. He's saying he's bothered because it doesn't feel like there's a team leader. He's shocked to hear that Edward Cabrera asked to come out. He said he wants bull dog pitchers, not ones who ask to come out. Pretty bold words!
— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) June 17, 2026

The idea of the Cubs not having a true leader would be a sobering reality, considering their two highest paid players--Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman--have that reputation. Of course, it doesn't help that Swanson and Bregman are two of the Cubs players who have disappointed this season.

Kipnis didn't stop there. When talking about the Cubs' offensive approach, the former infielder has struggled to figure out what the team's offensive identity is.

Jason Kipnis had some interesting comments post game on Marquee about the offense.

To paraphrase, he said that when he watches offenses, he can "piece together" what they're working on pre-game. But with this current offense, he can't piece together their philosophy.
— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) June 17, 2026

Given how Hoyer has constructed rosters in the past, the prioritization is on hitters who can get on base. As a team, the Cubs' on-base percentage is .332, the sixth-highest mark in all of baseball. Getting on base is the Cubs' identity, but the issue is that the team hasn't been able to take advantage with timely hits. Making things even worse is that the Cubs may not have an established power hitter that can stand above those struggles.

There's a laundry list of issues surrounding this Cubs team. There's still a chance that ship gets righted, but it's hard to believe they have the guys in-house that can pull it off.

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Cubs aren't fooling anyone with their stubbornness

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