Gratitude

"But like many Cubs fans, I find it difficult to find joy in baseball novelty because the Cubs won't be playing anymore. And just like many of the Cubs players, who were oh-so-close to making a bit of history but couldn't find their offense to back up pretty good pitching, it really stings to lose. Losing is a part of baseball, and not every team gets to experience the ultimate glory each year, but it doesn't make it any easier, because you can't flush this like a regular season loss."

"After stewing for a few hours and sleeping it off, I think mostly what I want to express is gratitude for this year's Cubs, the memories they gave us, and the friends we made along the way. We're talking about a team that overcame some devastating injuries, unfathomable slumps, and stupid weather and voodoo to take the best team in baseball to the brink before they ran out of gas."

"Sometime later we can talk all about whether to keep guys like Shota Imanaga or Kyle Tucker, try to trade Nico Hoerner for the billionth time, or whether Craig and Jed should be fired, but this team was fun the vast majority of the year, had one of the best records in all of baseball, and won a playoff series while going the distance in the following round. This is a good team that I hope they sustain for 2026 and beyond (pending lockouts and all that), but I still maintain a deep gratitude for the year that was."

The Cubs suffered a postseason loss that left fans emotionally stung and needing time to heal. Fans feel frustrated but grateful for the season's memories, friendships, and resilience. The team overcame injuries, slumps, and adverse conditions to challenge the best team in baseball and win a playoff series. Upcoming months will involve analysis, reconciliation, and debates about roster moves such as retaining Shota Imanaga or Kyle Tucker and potential trades. The 2024 Cubs finished among baseball's best teams and inspire hope for sustained competitiveness heading into 2026.

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