The 2022 Chicago Cubs season, the franchise's 151st, was a challenging one as the team, managed by David Ross in his third year, finished with a 74–88 record, 19 games out of first place in the National League Central. The offseason was disrupted by the MLB lockout, which froze transactions from December 2021 until a new collective bargaining agreement was reached in March 2022, though the Cubs did sign pitcher Marcus Stroman beforehand and hired Carter Hawkins as their new general manager. The new CBA introduced major rule changes, including the designated hitter in the National League and an expanded 12-team postseason, while the delayed start pushed Opening Day to April 7 against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Kyle Hendricks as the starting pitcher. The Cubs were officially eliminated from playoff contention on September 17, marking their second consecutive season without a postseason berth, and they wrapped up the regular season on October 5 against the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the additions and rule changes, the team struggled throughout the year, finishing with a losing record for the second straight season and failing to build on their 2021 performance.