Cubs fans mark 10 years since 2016 title with renewed focus on missed opportunities

Chicago Cubs fans will mark the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 World Series championship on Monday. The team has spent the 2026 season commemorating the decade, constructing a ceremonial archway at Gallagher Way and hosting former players and staff. While the anniversary brings nostalgia, the recent success of the Milwaukee Brewers has intensified scrutiny on the Cubs' current trajectory.

The 2016 victory is often remembered for its emotional highs, such as the spontaneous chalk wall created by fans on Sheffield and Waveland avenues. However, the front office later powerwashed the wall, citing ongoing renovations at Wrigley Field. This decision remains a point of contention among supporters who viewed the organic celebration as a defining moment of that era.

Theo Epstein, the former team president who orchestrated the 2016 run, resigned after the 2020 season. He stated during the July anniversary event that he would not have left voluntarily had the team not achieved its primary goal. Epstein described the period as a time when everyone could die happy, emphasizing that the team accomplished its singular mission before he chose a different path.

Jed Hoyer, who served as general manager during the rebuild, succeeded Epstein. Under Hoyer's leadership, the Cubs have failed to win a full-season division title since 2017. The team has reached the postseason only twice in his six-year tenure. The most recent losses include a sweep by the Brewers in last year's NL Division Series and a wild-card round exit to the San Diego Padres this month.

The contrast between the Cubs' performance and the Brewers' success is stark. The Brewers finished 14 games ahead of the Cubs in the division despite the Cubs being prohibitive favorites. Analysts point to the bullpen as a persistent issue under Hoyer, noting that the Brewers' pitching staff performed significantly better in both the regular season and playoffs. This disparity suggests a need for substantial roster changes.

Historical moments from the 2016 run are increasingly difficult to locate. The specific weight room in Cleveland where outfielder Jason Heyward delivered his pre-clinching speech has been renovated and repurposed. Fox Sports executives initially considered suspending the game during a rain delay to secure better ratings, a move Epstein rejected to preserve the integrity of Game 7.

Laura Ricketts, a co-owner of the Cubs, noted that the 2016 win provided a welcome distraction from the contentious 2016 presidential election. She described the championship as a feel-good story that offered relief to the country. The 2026 World Series provided a similar narrative of joy, though it was secured by the Brewers rather than the Cubs.

The anniversary serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of success in professional sports. While the 2016 team was considered young and likely to repeat its achievement, the organization has yet to return to the World Series. The current front office faces pressure to restore competitiveness as the decade mark approaches.