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Chicago Cubs: 3 pleasant surprises through first one-third of 2026 season

Monday, May 25, 2026 11:41

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Chicago Cubs, Cubs News, Cubs vs Reds, Michael Conforto, Hoby Milner, Ben Brown

The Chicago Cubs are 29-24 through their first 53 games, roughly one-third of the 2026 season. Currently, they are in third place in the National League Central Division, though they did lead the division for several weeks. This, of course, was thanks to their two 10-game win streaks earlier in the season.

Now, however, the Cubs are on an eight-game losing streak and desperately searching for solutions to their woes. Offensively, they have been horribly inconsistent. That being said, four of their five preferred starting pitchers are currently on the injured list. Most teams with that kind of bad luck are going to struggle at some point.

All this being said, there are three players who have been pleasant surprises for Chicago so far this season.

1. Michael Conforto

Michael Conforto, Chicago Cubs — May 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto (20) hits a game winning solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Last season, Michael Conforto hit .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chicago uses him almost exclusively against right-handed pitchers, and that protection has paid off for him.

As of right now, Conforto is hitting .302/.408/.571 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 31 games.

While he is limited due to how awful he hits against left-handed pitchers, Conforto gives Chicago some production against righties when he faces them, which is more than what can be said about many other players on the roster right now.

2. Ben Brown

Last season, Ben Brown appeared in 25 games (15 starts), and was 5-8 with a 5.92 ERA. Initially, he did not make Chicago’s starting rotation out of Spring Training, but did make the Opening Day roster.

Due to the numerous injuries the starting rotation has endured, though, Brown has found himself used more often than he was last year. Fortunately, he has responded well.

Brown is currently 1-2 with a 2.09 ERA in 15 games (three starts).

3. Hoby Milner

Last season, Hoby Milner was 3-4 with a 3.83 ERA in 73 games for the Texas Rangers. While this ERA is not terrible, per say, he certainly was not dominant.

He has been dominant for the Cubs this year, though.

In 23 appearances, Milner is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA.

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The post Chicago Cubs: 3 pleasant surprises through first one-third of 2026 season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-3-pleasant-surprises-through-first-one-third-of-2026-season/

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