Survey Reveals How Optimistic Cubs Fans Are About 2026 Season

Chicago Cubs fans experienced a whirlwind of an offseason. After signing third baseman Alex Bregman, among other major moves, Cubs fans have a lot to be excited about.

Because the Cubs agreed to extensions with young stars Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, the team's future appears to be more secure.

As the Cubs hope to open their World Series contention window as soon as this season, fans are optimistic early.

Chicago Cubs right fielder Matt Shaw (6) celebrates with third baseman Alex Bregman (3) | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

What did the survey say?

Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic conducted a survey for every MLB team's fanbase regarding their hope and optimism for the 2026 season. Given the Cubs' terrific offseason, fans have every reason to be happy with their team.

Going into the 2026 season, 92.4% of Cubs fans were categorized as optimistic. This ranked sixth among major league teams, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.

This was an expected improvement from last season (79.5%) and a remarkable jump from pre-2022 (17.6%). Fans also got the opportunity to voice why they felt this way about their teams for the 2026 season.

"My hope is tenuous, grasping; scar tissue from 108 years of futility is never fully salved. However, this team looks good. Maybe even very good!"
Optimist Zach

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) and second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Despite starting 3-3 on the season, this team looks good on paper to many fans. With Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner as young pieces in the lineup, as well as Bregman as a veteran long-term piece, the Cubs lineup looks star-studded.

"Almost the exact same core from last season, swapping Kyle Tucker for Alex Bregman, but pitching upgrades have me feeling confident in a division win."
Optimist Ryan

It was unfortunate, but expected, for the Cubs to lose outfielder Kyle Tucker during the offseason. They replaced him with one of the best third basemen in the game, a noted weakness over the last few seasons.

The pitching, however, is what separates this year's team from previous seasons. Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga and Edward Cabrera make up one of the best rotations in the sport.

Fans may be more optimistic about the Cubs' chances this year because of the front office's willingness to spend for the first time in years.

"The front office finally delivering on a high-priced free agent has made this roster feel more complete than any team since the 2016 core."
Optimist Jonathan

However, not everything is going right for Chicago, according to some fans. Their inauspicious second half in 2025, coupled with little offensive improvements other than Bregman, makes some fans worry.

"Make what you will of the Bregman signing, but the offense isn’t likely to be any better than last year and the second half showed a lot of cracks in the armor."
Pessimist Connor

Cubs fans will have to hope these 'cracks' will not show a second consecutive season, as the team hopes to not only compete for the NL Central title but also a World Series.