SOUTH BEND – If there was a single player who defines the South Bend Cubs’ 2026 season, it might not be the record-setting No. 1 prospect Josiah Hartshorn. It might just be Reggie Preciado, who returned to the squad Wednesday, Aug. 26 after being out since April 30 with a broken arm. Preciado had two hits and three RBI in his return, and just six days later, he crushed a home run into the playground in left-center field at Four Winds Field during batting practice. Manager Daniel Wasinger said the one word he would use to describe his 73-50 squad this season is ‘resilient,’ and there may be no one on the Cubs who embodies what that means more than Preciado. “I was really happy to play baseball again this year; it was a long journey,” Preciado said. “Sometimes you think you won’t get back, then being there in the moment feels like you never left.” More: Cubs' President Hart prefers South Bend over big league dreams ∣ The 9 If there was one game or moment that best encapsulates South Bend’s 2026 season it was two days after Preciado’s return, when the Cubs beat the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 10-7 Friday, Aug. 28. The Timber Rattlers led 7-5 with two outs in the ninth inning on their home field, when South Bend suddenly strung together five unanswered runs to win. A multi-run comeback victory is one thing, but to do all of it with absolutely no room for error seems to be something reserved for a select few special teams. It’s why the Cubs have the best record in the Midwest League, and it’s why they were so successful in the first half that they clinched a home playoff spot before the second half even began. “We’ve had a resilient group of guys from the beginning all the way until today,” Wasinger said. “We’ve had many games where we’re down late, but we just keep fighting and come back … There’s just no quit in these guys and they’re fierce competitors.”
Wasinger added that while South Bend certainly doesn’t lack talent, much of its success comes from what he said is unparalleled preparation. He said operating on two timelines – win now and develop for eventual MLB call-ups – has inspired the Cubs to produce as one of the best teams in MiLB. South Bend’s Divisional Round opponent has not been decided yet, as it’ll be one of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Kansas City Royals) or Beloit Sky Carp (Miami Marlins). The former is up three games on the latter in the standings with just five games to go. More: Iconic baseball song given marker at South Bend Cubs' Four Winds Field No matter which of the two the Cubs play, they’ll host the first Midwest League Divisional Round playoff game Tuesday, Sept. 8 before the series moves to Four Winds Field Thursday, Sept. 10. The series is a best-of-three affair, with the winner moving on to the best-of-three Championship Series. “I love South Bend,” Preciado said. “I love the city, and I love the fans, too. It’s an amazing place to play baseball. It’s going to be electric.” The Cubs haven’t made the playoffs since 2022, but they won it all during that most recent run. The first steps toward doing so again begin next week, with a ‘Thirsty Thursday’ $3 beverage promotion encouraging as many fans as possible to attend South Bend’s first home playoff game in four years. “It means a lot to us,” Wasinger said. “We’re going to have the rowdy college kids, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. I hope, for South Bend, it means a lot to the city. For the people who have supported us all year, I hope it means a lot to them.” Kyle Smedley is a sports reporter at the South Bend Tribune. Contact him via email at ksmedley@usatodayco.com or follow him on X @KyleMSmedley. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 'Resilient' South Bend Cubs excited for Midwest League Divisional Round