Chicago Cubs’ series versus Braves will show just how good they really are

The Chicago Cubs felt that they had ended their 2025 season with a chance to make some tweaks and field a truly special team in 2026. The team’s moves this past offseason showcased that mindset as they were more aggressive than usual in adding talent and plugging roster holes.

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They traded for emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. Four days after that, they signed three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a big 5-year deal. They also went about restocking a depleted bullpen over the course of the winter via four free agent signings (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey).

As the Cubs began the season, there were big expectations and even some World Series chatter. And even through an ugly run of pitching injuries that should’ve hobbled them, the team held steady and performed well. They have two 10-game winning streaks, a solid placement atop the NL Central Division, and currently have the second best record in the National League (the third best in baseball).

But even through Chicago’s successes, there has been the question of just how good they are. Were they a true force to be reckoned with over the long haul or just a pretty solid team on some incredible temporary hot streak?

The Cubs’ big test in Atlanta

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That question may be answered in the upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.

The Braves currently hold the best record in all of baseball and have been killing it in every area of the game.

Offensively, they are first (or tied for first) in batting average, slugging percentage, and wRC+ while ranking in the Top 4 in home runs and on base percentage. They are also sporting an MLB-leading +87 run differential.

In terms of pitching, the Braves—like the Cubs—have suffered through some high-profile injuries, but have managed to surpass what Chicago has been able to do with their own strained staff. They will come into Tuesday’s matchup with the best rotation ERA in baseball (3.03) and the third best bullpen ERA (3.31).

From back-to-back shutout losses

The Cubs are no slouches in any of the above categories, but the Braves have been putting in some truly elite work so far this year. And they’ll be walking into this Atlanta buzzsaw coming off tough back-to-back shutout losses to the Texas Rangers.

“Obviously, losing a series here is not how you want to go into an off day, but there’s a lot to be really excited about,” Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon told reporters after Sunday’s 3-0 loss in Arlington. “Hopefully, tomorrow’s just a really good day to reset for everyone, physically, mentally, emotionally and come out ready because Atlanta’s, I think, maybe, got the best record in baseball, up there with us. So, it should be a really good series.”

The next three games should tell a lot about how good this Cubs team truly is.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-atlanta-braves-series-preview/