Miserable losing streak against Pirates highlights Cubs' true postseason fate

Chicago Cubs fans do not live in reality. That is not meant to be a slight toward the fanbase but is a way to describe the unrealistic hope there was surrounding the Cubs after they swept the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals last week to cap off their road trip.

Lost in the madness of the Cubs finally playing competent baseball is that they were playing two teams barreling toward the bottom of the National League standings. Beyond that, even during the consecutive sweeps, the Cubs' chances of reaching the postseason never surpassed 8%.

Reality hit the Cubs in the face this week when they suffered a devastating loss on Monday that was reminiscent of their 2003 meltdown in the NLCS. The blows continued on Tuesday as beyond being shutout against the Pirates, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Justin Steele pitching this season.

The Cubs enter play on Wednesday night, needing a victory to avoid a sweep by the Pirates ahead of consecutive series against the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Entering play on Wednesday, the Cubs' chances of reaching the postseason have sunk to 1.7%.

2024 Cubs season can't be viewed as anything but a disappointment.

The Cubs' letdown against the Pirates this week is a reminder that the front office can not be let off the hook when Jed Hoyer is addressing reporters at the end of the season. Hoyer was a guest on 670 The Score on Tuesday morning and when asked if the 2024 season would be considered a disappointment if the Cubs miss the postseason, he offered a 'yeah but' response. Hoyer generally acknowledged that missing the postseason is always a disappointment but admitted there is excitement in seeing the Cubs play well to close out the season.

With his response, Hoyer is attempting to pull the wool over Cubs' fans' eyes for a second straight year. The Cubs were not a good baseball team in 2024 and their play at the end of the season should not change that assessment. The Cubs were a disappointment this season and if that is not acknowledged by Hoyer with actual changes this offseason, we will be painting clown masks on our faces once more in 2025, believing in something that isn't real.