The Chicago Cubs are not in such a comfortable position anymore.

Being 6.5 games behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division is pretty much a death sentence for their chance of winning the division, even with seven games remaining against their rivals.

More News: Chicago Cubs, Crow-Armstrong still raging after missed balk call

Chicago currently has the top NL Wild Card spot, but their lead over the Phildelphia Phillies, which was as much as five games at one point, has now been whittled down to just two. The San Diego Padres, meanwhile, are just four games behind the Cubs, holding the third NL Wild Card seed.

After a pair of tough losses and a 2-4 road trip, some legitimate concern has to be floating through the team’s collective brain trust.

Maybe a big, late-season shakeup is needed—something that could rattle the cage a bit and give the team a jolt of energy?

Eugenio Suarez off waivers?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision

Could Eugenio Suarez provide that jolt of energy?

On Wednesday, it was reported by MLB insider Ken Rosenthal that the Cincinnati Reds had placed power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez on waivers, along with outfielder TJ Friedl.

It looks to be a move entirely motivated by money issues, as another team claiming Suarez would be on the line for the remaining $3 million on his contract this season.

The 35-year-old veteran, however, hasn’t exactly been killing it this season amid a run of nagging injuries that’s kept him at DH for much of the year. He’s hitting just .208 over 103 games, but does have 19 home runs in 361 at bats.

Given his history, Suarez would clearly bring pop and long-ball threat to any team that snatches him up. In Chicago’s case, specifically, Suarez has been a long-time Cubs killer. Over the course of his career, he has 16 home runs and 40 RBIs in 242 at bats at Wrigley Field.

So, would the Cubs be interested in Suarez?

Could the Cubs be interested?

It might be intriguing to consider a bat as potentially impactful as Suarez’s somewhere in the already-potent Cubs’ lineup. With Alex Bregman at third, his time would mostly be spent at DH, although he did play three games at first base last season with the Mariners and Diamondbacks. Maybe he could be slated in after Michael Busch but before Ian Happ in the lineup.

Picking up a veteran so late in the season, during a pennant race, is not unheard of. Just last season, the Cubs acquired first baseman Carlos Santana for the tail end of the push to the playoffs. When rosters expand on September 1, there’s definitely a case to be made for having Suarez around in a postseason push over a Triple-A prospect or a fringe role player.

But the Cubs grabbing at the right-handed bat seems pretty unlikely at this point, despite buzz over the last couple seasons that had them showing interest in what he brings to the plate. Matt Shaw is doing well in his minor league rehab assignment and is expected back fairly soon. The Cubs also hope to have Dansby Swanson back from his oblique issue by the postseason.

So, as interesting as it would be for the Cubs to add Suarez, it’s probably not going to happen. As a matter of fact, given the $3 million still owed him for this year, he’s expected to clear waivers and stay put in Cincinnati.

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Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong showed his fiery side Wednesday afternoon after a missed balk call stopped him from coming home from third base and cost the Cubs a crucial run in what was a 0-0 game at the time.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Michael Conforto over Kyle Tucker was a low-key MVP-level decision

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was lights out, taking a shutout into the sixth inning against a stymied Cubs team, but the Cubs had a real chance to bring home a tie-breaking run with Crow-Armstrong on third.

A fake break home from the Cubs star seemed to distract Rodriguez, who stepped off the rubber mid-wind-up in a clear and obvious balk.

But a balk wasn’t called.

Crow-Armstrong goes ballistic

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss

The non-call sent the Cubs into a frenzy with Crow-Armstrong charging at the umps and third base coach Quintin Berry having to hold him back. Manager Craig Counsell also rushed on to the field to make the case for the balk, to no avail.

“They flat-out missed it,” Counsell said. “It’s obvious to everybody on TV. It’s obvious to anybody. They missed it.”

After the game, crew chief Alfonso Marquez admitted to the mistake.

“We just didn’t see it,” Marquez told reporters. “After looking at the video, it looked like he stepped off.”

Rodriguez clearly did step off and the missed call seemed to change the dynamic of the game. In the bottom half of the sixth, the Diamondbacks scored a run to go ahead 1-0 and then added an insurance run in the eighth on the 2-0 loss for Chicago.

PCA had plenty to say

After the game, Crow-Armstrong still had plenty to say:

“I saw four umpires miss a pretty obvious play. They’re out there every day just like we are. Their one job is to get calls right, and if they get it wrong, they’re supposed to talk about it, figure it out, and get it right. And they didn’t ….

I get it from [the home plate umpire’s] point of view at home plate. Tough to see with two people standing in front of you, and all you’re trying to do is call the right pitch. But I don’t know how you miss somebody starting their motion, then stopping it and stepping off ….

I think you guys just saw my frustration from the last three days come out. And I’m going to stick by it and say rightfully so, because I didn’t appreciate the other umpire coming up to me after Q had already calmed the situation down.

It’s just – I think they find new ways to screw something up every day. So there you go.”

It was a frustrating turn of events in a frustrating loss that capped off a similarly frustrating two-game skid for the Cubs, who now find themselves in a real fight to keep their top NL Wild Card spot from the surging Philadelphia Phillies. There are now only two games separating the teams.

Debate has been stirred regarding whether balk calls should be reviewable. And when seeing an obviously botched call of a crucial play in the midst of a pennant race, like on Wednesday, it’s hard to make the case against it.

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The Chicago Cubs’ pitching injuries this season have been well documented. That said, the outlook has started to trend in the right direction lately, with Ben Brown, Justin Steele and Shelby Miller all making progress in their respective recoveries. With each pitcher working toward a return this season, there was growing optimism for the possibility to all return in relief roles before seasons end.

That said, Wednesday, Aug. 26, brought significant updates on both Brown and Miller. Unfortunately for Brown, his recovery from a stress fracture in his neck has hit a snag after he experienced a return of the pain. Miller, meanwhile, provided some encouraging news on the mound, reaching a velocity he hasn’t seen since 2019.

Chicago Cubs injury updates: Ben Brown suffers a setback, Shelby Miller hits 98 MPH during an injury rehab outing

According to the Cubs, Brown has unfortunately started experiencing symptoms in his neck again after recently throwing in bridge games in Arizona. He will now return to Chicago to meet with doctors and determine the next steps in his recovery.

Miller, meanwhile, provided a much more encouraging update in his latest appearance, topping out at 98.0 mph. That’s a velocity he hasn’t reached since 2019, making it impressive on its own, but even more notable considering he is just 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery.

For the Cubs, Wednesday’s updates offered a reminder of just how unpredictable the road back from injury can be. Brown’s setback is certainly discouraging, particularly with the postseason approaching, but Miller’s velocity provides a major reason for optimism. If Miller can continue building on his recent progress, he could give Chicago another valuable option down the stretch, while Brown’s next round of evaluations should provide a clearer picture of his chances to return this season.

The post 1 unbelievable stat from rehabbing Cubs’ arm, 1 disappointing, but believable, development from another appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs seem to have dodged a bullet when they essentially passed on pursuing a continued relationship with right fielder Kyle Tucker.

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ Webb of late-inning concern grows after brutal loss

Although they never would’ve offered Tucker the 4-year, $260 million contract that the Los Angeles Dodgers did, there was still real talk about a deal in the area of $400 million over ten years. Looking back, it would’ve been a deal that not only hobbled the franchise, but one which also would’ve likely crushed the positive vibe of this current squad.

Instead, the Cubs opted to return Seiya Suzuki to full-time right field duty and then sign veteran Michael Conforto as a capable fourth outfielder for insurance.

As things would turn out, the Conforto decision was one of the low-key important moves of the offseason.

Conforto is clutch; Tucker, not so much

More News: Chicago Cubs staring down brutal turn of pitching events ahead of playoff chase

The 33-year-old has come through repeatedly for this team and has become the linchpin for a much improved bench this season. Coming into Tuesday’s game, the veteran had a 1.202 OPS as a pinch hitter and is boasting a franchise-record four home runs in that role. All in all, he’s batting .232, but has 12 home runs and 33 RBIs, with a .794 OPS in 240 plate appearances—on a one-year, $2 million contract.

Tucker, meanwhile, is hitting .231 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs, posting a .687 OPS as a full-time starter with 510 plate appearances.

For Conforto, taking a bench job had to be a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. He came into the 2026 season after having made $17 million in a season with the Dodgers last year and $18 million a year for two years with the San Francisco Giants as an every day player. However, a brutal 2025—where he hit .199 on the season and was kept off the Dodgers’ playoff roster—forced him to reassess his options.

“When you sign a player of his stature and they come in and they accept a role that’s not something they’ve done before, it builds things around the room,” manager Craig Counsell said of Conforto. “Mike’s been a real connector for this group. His production and his leadership from that perspective has been really important.”

A focus on winning

The former Dodger, Giant, and Met claims that his focus now is just on winning and adding on to his career legacy after 11 years in the game.

“I’ve felt more like I’ve come in here and kind of joined the party,” Conforto recently told the Chicago Sun-Times. “The big thing is coming in here and being honest: At this point in my career, I just want to win games. That was just a great fit from the beginning.

“A lot of these guys, maybe it resonated with them that you can get to a place in your career where, maybe, it’s not so much about the money and the playing time and all that stuff but it’s about being a part of something special.

The Cubs are absolutely not having buyer’s remorse when it comes to their signing of Conforto. Now, the question is whether they’ll make any moves in the offseason to keep him in Chicago.

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The Chicago Cubs took a real gut punch on Tuesday at Chase Field when the Arizona Diamondbacks came back from a 0-4 deficit coming into the eighth inning to walk-off the game in the bottom of the ninth and end the evening on top 5-to-4.

More News: Chicago Cubs staring down brutal turn of pitching events ahead of playoff chase

To be extra specific, Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell took a gut punch now that the balancing act he’s managed in addressing the team’s closer situation has seemingly fallen apart.

When Daniel Palencia returned from the IL last Friday, the talk was about how great things would be with two legit closers on-staff now.

With Jacob Webb having established himself as the team’s high-leverage late-inning guy in Palencia’s absence—riding high on a 24 scoreless inning streak—the Cubs seemed set with the 1-2 closer tandem.

But things definitely haven’t worked out as planned.

Webb’s struggles

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s not messing around—win or get out of the way

Webb blew his first save in a long time that Saturday, allowing 3 earned runs in two-thirds of an inning in a walk-off win for the Seattle Mariners. Still, Counsell held firm in his belief in the veteran.

“He’s kind of held this whole thing together for most of the year,” Counsell told reporters after that tough loss. “He’s been great. He’s having a heck of a season. [Saturday] doesn’t change that. He’s going to be out there the next time there’s an opportunity.”

In his very next appearance, however, Webb failed to close the show and again presided over a walk-off ninth inning loss. This time, he had a tag team partner in facilitating the fail—Palencia.

The hard-throwing righty would come into the game in the eighth inning and give up 3 earned runs in two-thirds of an inning before being replaced by Webb.

“I was trying to do my job. It wasn’t my night,” Palencia told media after the game. “They beat me today.”

From concern to a full-blown issue

The closer situation has now progressed beyond being just a one-time thing that still allows for positivity the rest of the way. It’s now a full-blown issue.

Throw in the struggles of trade deadline acquisition Ryan Zeferjhan, who was brought in because of his strong late-inning potential, and now there’s real cause for concern.

Since the August 3 deadline, the late-inning trio of Webb, Palencia, and Zeferjahn have posted an ugly combined ERA of 6.27—and that’s with Zeferjahn having already fallen out of Counsell’s circle of trust, relegated to more low-intensity appearances.

The Webb and Palencia situation is especially troubling for the Cubs, who have strong postseason aspirations and face a tightening race in the NL Wild Card race. Some chatter has already begun about a returning Ben Brown and how he might be used in the closer role when cleared for a full-time comeback. Hoby Milner is also expected back soon to help with the bullpen issues.

In the time being, though, Counsell and the Cubs will have to rely on the longstanding Cubs bullpen strategy of doing the best with what they’ve got and hoping like crazy that it all works out.

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After losing the first two games to the Seattle Mariners, both ending in walk-off fashion, the Chicago Cubs took out their frustration in a 19–2 demolition to avoid being swept. It was a reminder that their offense can still overwhelm teams in waves even though it has struggled with RISP in recent games. 

But beneath the fireworks and the sigh of relief in the dugout, manager Craig Counsell managed the game like they are in playoff mode.

Starter Shota Imanaga struggled as he gave up a leadoff home run to Randy Arozarena and worked through extensive traffic on the basepaths. The Cubs took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 3rd after a solo home run by Michael Conforto followed by a grand slam by Ian Happ. However, after allowing two quick singles to begin the third inning, manager Craig Counsell pulled the left-hander at 72 pitches without recording an out.

Reliever Aaron Civale came in and saved the day for the Cubs. He gave them four innings, then Trent Thornton and Caleb Thielbar each took an inning after him. Catcher Carson Kelly pitched the ninth to put a finishing touch on a blowout.

Shota Imanaga is officially put on notice after Sunday

With so many pitchers returning from injuries, the Cubs suddenly have options at rotation and bullpen. High‑leverage options. And when a team is fighting for playoff positioning, every start becomes a referendum. 

And Imanaga’s performance on Sunday, which was the shortest start of his career, puts him on notice now. His command wavered and pitch count ballooned as a result. And in a game where the Cubs’ offense just took the lead, Imanaga couldn’t take advantage of the cushion. 

The Cubs don’t need “good enough” anymore. They need October‑ready pitching. And yesterday’s short outing will stick in Craig Counsell’s mind. 

Many Cubs pitchers face survival mode now

If you watched Counsell on Sunday, he managed aggressively and with intention. The roster is tightening, and he knows tough decisions are coming. With every Cubs pitcher returning from the IL, the margin for error for other pitchers keeps shrinking. 

The Cubs had only three quality starts over their last 10 games. One of them was Imanaga against the Chicago White Sox on August 17th. The others are Clay Holmes against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 14th, and Kevin Gausman against the Washington Nationals on August 12th. 

Matthew Boyd, billed as the Cubs’ No. 1 starter, has struggled in each of his last two starts. He has to show Counsell he is capable of carrying the team come October. If you also include David Peterson and Javier Assad, every starting pitcher has something to prove.

Edwin Cabrera’s disastrous outing before returning to the IL again for blisters complicates things for Counsell. But he can’t afford to have Cabrera work his way back anymore this late in the season. And don’t forget Ben Brown and Justin Steele could also return in September. All of them will work from the bullpen the rest of the season. If they’re not up to the task, somebody’s going to miss the postseason.

Daniel Palencia came off the IL and immediately jumped back into action on Friday. And several relievers, such as Hoby Milner and Shelby Miller, are ramping up their rehab assignment and could be activated soon. Civale, Thornton, and Thielbar all helped their case to remain with the Cubs with their performance last Sunday. Even Ryan Zeferjahn, who hasn’t looked sharp since arriving from the Los Angeles Angels, could find himself off the postseason roster.

A 19–2 win was fun. But Counsell is now managing with postseason on his mind. He is operating under pressure and urgency the rest of the season. These moments will help them prepare and determine who is capable of handling the postseason.

The post In a blowout win on Sunday, Craig Counsell showed he is not messing around appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks opened up a very important series on Monday night in Phoenix. With the regular season winding down, the Cubs are still chasing the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are hoping to catch up in the Wild Card race.

So as you can imagine, things are getting intense here in August.

As the Cubs took down the Diamondbacks 7-0, they opened up the series with a big win. However, there was a big accusation following the game regarding a member of the Cubs’ coaching staff and Arizona’s starter, Merill Kelly.

Merrill Kelly calls out Chicago Cubs for stealing signs?

Kelly struggled in the series opener, going 5.2 innings, giving up five hits, three runs, and walking three while striking out four. His ERA on the season moved to 5.35 as the struggles continued. But Kelly believes the Cubs had a read on his pitching, particularly the changeup.

Midway through the fifth inning, the two dugouts started chirping at each other over whether Cubs third-base coach Quintin Berry was relaying signs to his team. Kelly, nor the Diamondbacks coaching staff appreciated that.

“Stealing signs is as old as baseball,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a little bulls— when it comes from a coach. I think if it’s a guy on second base and they see the grip in your glove or if the hitters can see something that you’re doing with your glove, I think that’s fair game.

“I think guys have been doing that since the beginning of baseball. I think it’s a little bush league when it comes from outside that.”

The Cubs and Diamondbacks dugouts had some words for each other. pic.twitter.com/qleOIaAUZX

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 25, 2026

The shouting got intense but as you can imagine with playoff hopes on the line, things are going to get heated. After the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that.

“We were barking at their third-base coach and he was barking back,” Lovullo said. “And what’s funny in April is not funny in August, everybody’s edgy. And they’re protecting their side, we’re protecting our side. And that’s as far as I wanna go with that.”

For the Diamondbacks, it felt like frustrations from their recent play and falling behind in the Wild Card race. But as game two looms on Tuesday, it’s something to watch for both sides.

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What do the Chicago Cubs do if Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga continue on their downward trajectory? That’s a big question facing the North Siders as they work their way towards a playoff run.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s not messing around—win or get out of the way

Boyd, who’s had two stints on the IL this season and has been limited to just 91 total innings pitched, has a 6.12 ERA through his four starts in August and was lit up on Friday against the Mariners.

Imanaga, meanwhile, is posting a 5.68 ERA over his last three starts and got the early hook on Sunday versus the Mariners after just two struggle-heavy innings.

The Cubs rotation has been a roller coaster all season. Initially lauded for its depth, injuries removed key pieces and created concerns about whether there’d even be enough starters to have a 5-man rotation. Starters Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes were then acquired at the trade deadline and, paired with the return of Edward Cabrera, the rotation was again lauded for its depth.

However, Cabrera got battered in his first outing back from the IL and was placed right back on the IL and, now, Boyd and Imanaga are on an extended run of poor performances.

Matthew Boyd’s downward trajectory

More News: Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success

Boyd’s fall, as the de facto ace of the staff, is especially troubling.

Per Alex Patt from right here at ChiCity Sports:

“He sports a 4.68 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. That is well off the 3.65 FIP and 1.09 WHIP marks from his All Star 2025 campaign. His xERA (expected ERA) is way up at 5.01 right now; compare that to 3.75 last year.

What really stands out is the home runs. While Boyd’s flyball rate is down, 39.3% this year vs. 44.9% last year, his HR/9 has jumped from 0.95 to 1.38. That’s 14 homers in 91 innings this year vs. 19 homers in 179.2 innings all of last year. Not surprising that more flyballs are being pulled this year (22.9%) vs. last year (17.7%) based on those home run totals.”

And as Evan Altman of Cubs Insider pointed out:

“…They’ll have a puncher’s chance to make some noise. As we saw Friday night, however, their glass jaw could make that knockout power irrelevant. Matthew Boyd had been (and may still be) the presumed No. 1 starter, but he’s given up at least four earned runs in three of his last four starts.

That includes eight home runs with just 11 strikeouts and nine walks over 25 innings. Boyd’s fastball has been particularly bad during that stretch, with a -2.5 run value. Statcast has his heater at -5 runs on the season, putting him in the 17th percentile. He generated 10 runs of value to fall in the 86th percentile last season. Even with the slider and curve being much better, his fastball and middling changeup have dragged him down.”

Hoping for the best

Now, when you throw in the fact that Gausman has also not been pitching all that well (6.19 ERA as a Cub through three starts), some real concerns start bubbling up.

What will the Cubs’ four-man postseason rotation look like? At this point, they have little choice but to go with the obvious picks—Boyd, Gausman, Holmes, Imanaga—and just hope for the best. They also may want to have swingmen Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and David Peterson ready to go at the drop of a hat, just in case.

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One of the cooler events each MLB season is the Little League Classic. The event, which takes place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during the Little League World Series, is a fun one all around. And next year it’s going to be the Chicago Cubs turn to participate.

It allows current players to go back to their roots of playing baseball while also giving Little League players the chance to hang out with actual MLB players for at least a day.  The event is a fun one and this year it saw the Atlanta Braves take down the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday Night Baseball.

But next season, there will be a Chicago flavor to it.

Rob Manfred joined the ESPN broadcast during the 2026 Little League Classic on Sunday to announce that the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays will meet on Thursday, August 19, 2027 for the next edition of the Little League Classic. The game will air exclusively on ESPN.

In keeping with the tradition of this annual event, Major Leaguers from both the Blue Jays and the Cubs will attend Little League World Series games earlier in the day on August 19, demonstrating their commitment to helping grow the game at the youth level and engage with young fans. Later that evening, Little League World Series players and their families will fill Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field for the Little League Classic game. It will mark the first time that the contest will be played on Thursday, headlining ESPN’s slate of baseball that day, which will spotlight Little League all the way up to the Majors. The Blue Jays will be the home team in the matchup.

For the Cubs, this will be the second time they have appeared in the game. They played the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 at Bowman Field in Williamsport, which was the third edition of the event.

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The Chicago Cubs are on full-time “go time,” per manager Craig Counsell. And that means that there’s little time to consider egos, hang-ups, or to give someone time to work through a poor performance.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success

Coming into Sunday’s game with the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, the Cubs had lost two in a row and had seen the first place Milwaukee Brewers lengthen their division lead over them by seven games. The Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres had also climbed to within two and four games, respectively, of overtaking them atop the NL Wild Card standings.

Imanaga gets early hook

More News: Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse

So, with that in mind, Counsell was quick to pull starter Shota Imanaga from the game after he showed that he clearly didn’t have his best stuff. The southpaw had given up two runs on five hits and two walks in two innings and 72 pitches—including a leadoff home run to Randy Arozarena—and was struggling uncharacteristically with control.

When Ian Happ hit a grand slam in the top of the third to put the Cubs ahead 5-to-2, Counsell made the move to go with swingman Aaron Civale. Rather than take the sudden lead as breathing room to give Imanaga more of a chance to get things together, he moved on to try and secure the win. It was clearly the right move to make as Civale would deliver four shutout innings and the Cubs would go on to thump the Mariners 19-to-2.

“It was just a bad day [for Imanaga],” Counsell told reporters, pointing out the lefty’s solid last outing against the White Sox. “You could just tell the misses were far bigger than normal. The velocity was down a little bit from the beginning. We’ll just have to regroup.

“This was kind of isolated right now, and obviously, he gets to prove it the next time out.”

The reason behind the quick hook

There may be a little bit more to Counsell’s decision than simply getting out the hook for a pitcher who just didn’t have it, though. Last season, Imanaga’s late-season dip in velocity came just ahead of a full-on collapse that eventually saw the Japanese star scratched from his last playoff start.

In 2025, Counsell and the Cubs had no choice but to ride with Imanaga for as long as they could before removing him from the starting pitching circle of trust. They just didn’t have many replacement options. In 2026, however, the team does have a plan B, C, and D.

Civale and Colin Rea can both do multiple innings in relief as well as spot start if necessary. Javier Assad, who can do the same, is just one phone call away in Iowa.

“This is why we have some length in the bullpen,” Counsell said. “As soon as Ian hit the home run, honestly, my thought was, ‘If Shota’s in trouble, we’re going to go.’”

Come playoff time, when the Cubs go with a four-man rotation, there will be even more depth in the bullpen with David Peterson likely moving there and maybe an Edward Cabrera option floating about.

For Imanaga—and everyone else—the message is clear. Counsell is going for the wins and if you can’t help with that, you will kindly step aside.

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Chicago Cubs 2025 sixth round draft pick Josiah Hartshorn is having a breakout season. The 19 year old 1B/OF from Orange Lutheran High School has propelled up prospect rankings this year, including becoming the organization’s No.1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No.39.

This year, Hartshorn has dominated the Low-A and High-A ranks. As of August 24, he is slashing a combined .285/.404/.515 with an incredible 20 home runs, 99 RBI’s,  22 doubles, 12 stolen bases, and 76 walks to 92 strikeouts. His 99 RBI’s are currently the most of any player drafted last summer who made their professional debut in 2026.

Over the weekend, Hartshorn launched home run No. 20, which put him in some elite territory as a Cubs teenage minor league prospect.

Josiah Hartshorn becomes the first teenage prospect in 27 years to reach 20 home runs in a season

On Saturday, Hartshorn hit his 15th home run of the season with the South Bend Cubs, adding to the five he hit earlier this year with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, where he spent just 39 games. That brings his season total to 20 home runs, making him the first Cubs teenage prospect since Corey Patterson in 1999 to reach the milestone.

Josiah Hartshorn blasts his 20th home run of the season!

He is the first teenage Cubs prospect to hit this mark in 27 years. His High-A OPS now stands at .933 and he’s driven in 98 runs. pic.twitter.com/lDTqia46DF

— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) August 23, 2026

Furthermore, Hartshorn’s 15 home runs with the South Bend Cubs have him tied with Jordan Nwogu and Yonathan Perlaza for the most in a single season by a South Bend player since 2015. If he can hit one more before the minor league season concludes on September 6, Hartshorn will become the new record holder.

At just 19 years old, Hartshorn is already putting his name alongside some of the more notable prospects in Cubs history. His 20 home runs are impressive on their own, but the fact that he has reached that mark while setting himself up to break South Bend’s single-season home run record makes his season even more notable. With several games still remaining, Hartshorn has a chance to add another chapter to what has quickly become a historic year.

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Despite back-to-back deflating walk-off losses and their lead atop the Wild Card standings being reduced to two games, the Chicago Cubs are still in a good place right now.

More News: Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse

They’re 18 games above .500 and currently boasting a 98-plus percent likelihood of making the playoffs. The team, for the most part, looks locked in and brimming with confidence as injured pitchers begin to work themselves back on to the roster and several key offensive pieces have started to click.

The Cubs may also have a couple of aces in the hole when it comes to pushing deep into postseason play.

Matt Shaw’s role

More News: Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion

Matt Shaw recently began his minor league rehab assignment after a long and frustrating wrist injury that kept him sidelined since June 28. In limited play so far with the Iowa Cubs, Chicago’s 2023 number one draft pick has looked sharp.

He’s also been getting playing time at second base during this assignment, something which likely tips the Cubs’ hand that they may look to plug him into that spot when he gets ready to return to the majors. With shortstop Dansby Swanson dealing with an oblique injury for at least 4-6 weeks and Nico Hoerner moving over to cover that spot, Shaw playing in his more natural second base spot seems like a no-brainer, even if he’s working in a platoon with switch-hitting rookie Pedro Ramirez.

But even if he remains in his role as a super-sub bench asset, Shaw will be an important piece to the Cubs’ postseason puzzle. He’s a guy who has been used at every position but pitcher, catcher, and shortstop this season and someone with the wheels to make him a valuable pinch runner when relegated to the bench. He’s also upped his offensive game from last season and can be an asset, especially against left-handed pitching.

Chris Pownall of Da Windy City talked a bit about Shaw’s potential importance to this playoff-bound team:

“He lost his permanent position at third base when Chicago signed Bregman, but that move may have accidentally prepared him for a far more valuable October role.

Shaw can serve as a late game replacement, provide insurance across the diamond or enter the lineup against a favorable pitching matchup. If Swanson’s recovery extends into October, however, Shaw could become something more than a utility option.”

Hoby Milner back in the pen

Meanwhile, among pitchers, Hoby Milner could be the team’s other ace in the hole.

Milner was put on the shelf in late June following an emergency appendectomy and is now several games deep into his own rehab assignment in Iowa.

While other recovering Cubs pitchers—like Justin Steele, Ben Brown, and Shelby Miller capture all the headlines—Milner’s return could mean more to the team and its postseason chances than any other reliever right now.

The veteran lefty, healthy and productive, could step into the bullpen and finally allow the Cubs to cut loose veteran Caleb Thielbar, who is posting a 5.35 ERA through 46 appearances and kept his roster spot as one of only two healthy left-handed relief options along with the surprising Ryan Rolison.

The Cubs will be in a much better spot with Milner in the pen.

Shaw and Milner could be key factors to the Cubs’ postseason success, even if they currently fall a little under the radar.

The post Chicago Cubs: Two aces in the hole for postseason success appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs gave the ball to the team’s de facto closer Jacob Webb in the ninth inning Saturday night at T-Mobile Park in Seattle and for the first time in a long time, Webb didn’t come through.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion

Actually, the three ninth inning runs allowed—two via walk-off two-run home run by Randy Arozarena—were the first runs allowed by Webb in 24.2 innings.

“Baseball happened,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “It just shows you how impressive he’s been. It’s unfortunate when you give up some runs that result in a loss, but he’s been so, so good.

“He’s kind of held this whole thing together for most of the year. He’s been great. He’s having a heck of a season. [Saturday] doesn’t change that. He’s going to be out there the next time there’s an opportunity.”

The veteran, who came to the Cubs via free agency to be a middle-of-bullpen depth piece, earned Counsell’s trust as a high-leverage late-inning reliever after an unprecedented wave of injuries forced him into that role. On the season, even with Saturday night’s poor outing, the right-hander has a 2.65 ERA with 9 saves through 58 appearances.

Two Cubs closers?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker

Webb’s emergence and Counsell’s trust in him are creating a bit of a situation when it comes the team’s closer role now that Daniel Palencia is back on the team.

The hard-throwinfg Palencia won the closer’s role last season in the same way Webb won the role this season, by stepping in to fill a spot that needed filling and taking it as his own.

Palencia looked good in his first game since coming off the IL—and his first big league appearance since June 15—throwing a scoreless inning against the Mariners on Friday with 2 strikeouts.

So now, essentially, the Cubs have two closers.

It’s not a bad problem to have. Given the fact that Webb and Palencia are very different types of pitchers, it may also give Counsell added flexibility when it comes to matchups and how he wants to handle certain situations.

But the team doesn’t just have two pitchers with game-closing potential.

Wiggins, Miller, and more

Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and rehabbing veteran Shelby Miller could also find themselves in Chicago at some point between next week and the tail end of the regular season.

Neither was in the Cubs’ big league plans until fairly recently, but both could have something to offer down the closing stretch of the season.

Wiggins, after a rough and injury-filled season, is back in Iowa, working one inning at a time and looking quite impressive in that role. So far, the 24-year-old has pitched three scoreless innings in three outings, striking out five over those three frames. With his high-velocity stuff he looks like the prototypical closer, even though the Cubs are hoping to eventually get him back to being a starter.

The 35-year-old Miller, meanwhile, was signed on a 2-year deal this offseason with the full understanding that 2026 would be entirely spent rehabbing from last fall’s Tommy John surgery. But Miller has surprised with his rapid rehab and has already worked himself into a minor league rehab assignment, where he’s looked like his old self.

Both Wiggins and Miller are unlikely to get long looks at the major league level this year—if they make it to the team at all. But they are among the team’s bullpen options, along with rehabbing assets Justin Steele and Ben Brown, who are currently throwing bullpen session and looking impressive. There’s also lefty Hoby Milner who’s just about ready to return from his minor league rehab assignment.

Even trade deadline acquisition Ryan Zeferjahn has the kind of arm and repertoire that makes him a late-inning bullpen candidate, although he’s had some rough outings as a Cub so far.

All in all, the Cubs bullpen seems to be in a happy place. But, as we’ve been seeing all season, that can change in a heartbeat

The post Chicago Cubs bullpen is in a happy place, despite Saturday’s collapse appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As the Chicago Cubs have learned this year, one can truly never have enough pitchers. After watching countless arms go down throughout the course of the year, they re-build their pitching staff at the trade deadline by adding Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett, snf Ryan Zeferjahn.

Now, with a little over a month remaining, the situation has changed dramatically. Daniel Palencia has returned to the bullpen after being activated from a lengthy IL stint, Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A despite pitching well, and Shelby Miller’s injury rehab assignment is progressing well.

All of that is enough to suggest the script has flipped from the beginning of the year, but the news continues to improve. Recently, it was announced that Ben Brown, who is recovering from stress fractures in his neck, and Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery last year before suffering a setback earlier this season, both threw live batting practice sessions in Arizona.

The plan is for both pitchers to participate in live BP sessions or bridge games next week, with Brown potentially moving on to an injury rehab assignment shortly after. Steele’s timeline is likely to be much longer, but Chicago has already made it clear that, if he returns this season, he’ll do so as a reliever rather than a starter. That significantly shortens the buildup he’ll need before potentially contributing.

Chicago Cubs’ latest updates on Justin Steele and Ben Brown provide optimism for a dream post season scenario

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Calling Friday night’s game in Seattle frustrating is an understatement. The Cubs’ 6-5 loss in extras was defined by several factors, including another “blah” start from Matthew Boyd. He went six innings and gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Not horrific, but not great.

After Friday’s game, Boyd sports an 8-2 record, but a 4.15 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, and 18.6% strikeout rate in 91 innings pitched on the season. On the surface, a 4.15 ERA in 16 starts isn’t awful, though not the goal for him. The biggest issues lie within the peripherals beyond the basic stats.

Boyd has some kinks under the hood

As mentioned above, he sports a 4.68 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. That is well off the 3.65 FIP and 1.09 WHIP marks from his All Star 2025 campaign. His xERA (expected ERA) is way up at 5.01 right now; compare that to 3.75 last year.

What really stands out is the home runs. While Boyd’s flyball rate is down, 39.3% this year vs. 44.9% last year, his HR/9 has jumped from 0.95 to 1.38. That’s 14 homers in 91 innings this year vs. 19 homers in 179.2 innings all of last year. Not surprising that more flyballs are being pulled this year (22.9%) vs. last year (17.7%) based on those home run totals.

So what’s he doing differently? His pitch usage has been nearly identical to last year: 45.5% four-seam fastball, 25.8% changeup, 15.4% slider, 12.8% curve, and 0.5% sinker. He’s throwing at nearly the same arm angle as last year too (24-25 degrees). The issue is that his bread-and-butter pitches, the fastball and changeup, have dipped in effectiveness. His fastball is slightly down in average velocity (93.3 to 92.7 MPH), but his fastball run value per Statcast dropped from the 86th percentile to the 17th percentile, which is VERY dramatic. His offspeed run value was in the 97th percentile last year and is now in the 58th percentile.

When the fastball isn’t located or executed as well, the offspeed won’t be as effective. Opponents are slugging .481 off his fastball this year and .426 off the changeup. A far cry from the .337 slug off the changeup last year.

Can Boyd be trusted going further?

Recent concerns about Boyd have begged the question of whether he should be a top choice in a playoff rotation. It would be one thing if the box score results were not great, but it was due to some flukiness. The peripherals and effectiveness of his fastball will make one pause much longer, though.

Heck, for as good as Boyd was last year, had some struggles in the second half. He’s older and has battled injury throughout his career, unfortunately, and one has to ask if the stamina is there. Early this season, there were starts where he looked gassed after just a few innings.

Boyd is a hard, dedicated worker with the talent and ability to make adjustments. With that said, can they be made soon enough? Can the Cubs infrastructure identify issues with his fastball and help him adjust? Will he have the physical stamina to be able to? Time will tell, but we are in the final stretch now, and adjustments have to come quickly.

The post The Chicago Cubs have a Matthew Boyd concern on their hands appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On Friday, before the start of a three-game series with the Mariners in Seattle and amid a flurry of roster moves, the Chicago Cubs announced that pitcher Javier Assad had been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, again.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker

Those who’ve lost track of the amount of times the 29-year-old right-hander as been sent down to the minors this season wouldn’t be alone. For the record, it’s officially been three times now, although Chicago also had him start the season in Iowa for the purpose of roster depth management.

This latest demotion comes just about a week after being called up from another demotion—and after delivering three clutch scoreless innings in relief of Kevin Gausman in a 4-3 win over the White Sox.

Another demotion

More News: Chicago Cubs prospect named most likely September callup

Fans have not taken kindly to Assad’s demotions, especially since he’s performed so well as the team’s jack-of-all-trades multi-purpose glue throughout a season full of pitching injuries. On the year, the Mexico native has a 3.46 ERA through 22 games (10 starts and 12 relief appearances) and 83.1 innings pitched. Over his last 9 appearances, though, he’s been nearly lights out, posting a 1.71 ERA to help fortify a pitching staff still reeling from injury-related strain.

One wouldn’t blame Assad for also having some issues with his demotions. However, the realities of the Cubs’ roster continue to make the pitcher a fall guy for Cubs’ pitching depth considerations. Assad is one of the few pitchers currently on staff with minor league options. Optioning other pitchers would result in the Cubs losing them.

“Look, the way Javy’s pitched definitely doesn’t warrant going to the minor leagues,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell explained on Friday. “The other decisions mean we lose the pitcher forever.”

A bitter pill to swallow

This is surely a bitter pill to swallow for a pitcher who is, in a lot of ways, delivering the best work of his career. Counsell is hoping, though, that Assad—as well as any other player—takes the moves with the greater understanding that this is all in the name of winning as a team.

“Giving the players the direct information — whether it’s good news, bad news — has always been the most effective way for me,” Counsell said. “They know how I’m thinking, how the team is thinking, and then they get to choose their response. The vast majority of players want to do the right thing…

You don’t always get the exact news that you’re going to want to get. They’re used to that. If you get to this place, you’ve experienced that. You’ve gone through it. You’ve overcome it. It’s part of being a good competitor. It’s part of being a professional athlete.”

In Assad’s specific case, keeping him as an ace in the hole is a way of preserving a sharp arm who can fill any number of roles as the Cubs work towards a deep playoff run and a shot at a World Series appearance.

The post Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell explains Javier Assad demotion appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are definitely not having Kyle Tucker non-buyer’s remorse.

After a rough and disappointing end to his 2025 season with the Cubs, the team seemed to make virtually no effort in re-signing the right fielder. They appeared to be just fine with letting the star walk into the open arms of the moneybag Los Angeles Dodgers.

More News: Chicago Cubs prospect named most likely September callup

Before Tucker even signed his crazy “Dodger-y” 4-year, $240 million contract, the Cubs had already unofficially moved on from the 4-time All-Star by signing three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

Chicago has not looked back at that decision with regret.

Bregman could actually be seen as the Bizarro Kyle Tucker at this point.

Bizarro Kyle Tucker

More News: Chicago Cubs farm system trashed, ranked bottom of the barrel

For those unfamiliar with the Superman canon, “Bizarro Superman” is a Superman villain who is just as gifted as the Man of Steel but possesses all the opposite attributes—a villain, not a hero; ice vision instead of heat vision; speaking in opposites; etc. He even has a backward “S” on the front of his costume.

As opposed to Tucker last year with the Cubs, Bregman has come alive in this second half of the season. He’s thrived under the pressure of a push towards the playoffs whereas, last season, Tucker wilted under that same pressure.

Since July 12, Bregman has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball. He’s hit .319 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs through 33 games after a slow start to the season that saw him bottom out with a .235 average as recently as July 10.

Tucker, meanwhile, is hitting .178 through that same period of time, with just 4 home runs and 8 RBIs. Overall, Tucker has also played a miserable right field—spotlighted by two recent fielding miscues—as Bregman continues to be an ace with the glove at third.

“My message to him is you’re not alone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said on MLB Network Radio. “He’s probably never struggled like this in his life.”

Well, Roberts clearly didn’t catch Tucker’s 2025 run with the Cubs, where he flatlined entirely from July 1 onward and finished the season with a whimper as an injury-hobbled DH.

It was this beyond-poor showing that brought boos from the usually mega-loyal Wrigley Field faithful late in the season and killed off any debate among the fandom about whether Chicago should bring him back.

Despite a hot start to the 2025 season, where he served as a linchpin for a powerful Cubs lineup, Tucker’s poor performance and seeming indifference to being part of the Cubs family had soured fans entirely on him.

Bregman over Tucker

In signing Bregman, Chicago got a potential impact bat and an elite defender, but they also got the intangibles Tucker sorely lacked. They got a clubhouse leader and a generous team player always willing to extend a hand to help a teammate. Tucker’s reputation is that of a loner and a brooder who doesn’t add drama to a clubhouse, but also doesn’t add much of anything else.

“The one thing he’s brought so much is being able to help guys navigate through things,” shortstop Dansby Swanson said of Bregman, “whether it’s other guys and their at-bats, pitchers and their approach to getting other teams out. He’s best when he’s got his hands in everything.

“Just his knowledge and his perspective on the game itself has really been beneficial for our group. I’ve been able to learn from him, and we’ve all been better for it.”

All in all, even if the two stars were producing similar numbers, the Cubs would remain happy about their Bregman-over-Tucker decision. As things are currently turning out, though, they should be ecstatic.

The post Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman is the Bizarro Kyle Tucker appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong has had quite the week. His heroics during the White Sox series, including a leadoff home run and a walk-off homer in the same game before leading off the following contest with another home run, made MLB history and grabbed headlines.

However, Crow-Armstrong’s surge at the plate is hardly a new development. Since the All-Star break, he is tied for the MLB lead with 11 home runs, tied for third with 27 RBI, and ranks sixth among qualified hitters with a .974 OPS. Five of those 11 home runs have come this week alone, including three leadoff homers after he opened Friday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners by going deep.

Pete Crow-Armstrong hits a TOWERING home run to lead off the game!

He’s hit a leadoff bomb in three of his last four games pic.twitter.com/Ey7Jt6jEat

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) August 22, 2026

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s three leadoff home runs this week has propelled him up the Chicago Cubs single season leaderboard

Thanks to three leadoff home runs over his last four games, Crow-Armstrong now has seven on the season, moving him into a tie for the third-most in a single season in Cubs history. The last Chicago player to reach that mark was Dexter Fowler in 2016. Only Rick Monday, who hit eight leadoff homers in 1976, and Alfonso Soriano, who clubbed 12 in 2007, have more.

Furthermore, Crow-Armstrong’s leadoff blast against the Mariners on Friday gave him 32 home runs on the season, setting a new career high. With more than a month remaining on the schedule, reaching the 40-homer mark is certainly within reach, especially if he can maintain his current pace or put together another week like this one. Only nine players in Cubs history have reached 40 home runs in a single season, so joining that exclusive group would be quite the accomplishment for the young outfielder.

The post Another Pete Crow-Armstrong leadoff home run has him moving up Cubs single season leaderboard appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have some big roster decisions to make after the end of this season. Chief among them are the decisions on whether to re-sign several players who will be eligible for free agency at the conclusion of the baseball year.

More News: Chicago Cubs farm system trashed, ranked bottom of the barrel

Core veteran components Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Carson Kelly would probably be the roughest losses for a Cubs team looking to win in the here and now.

Complicating matters when it comes to the future of catcher Kelly is the fact that the team has a top-notch catching prospect knocking on the big league door at Triple-A Iowa—Owen Ayers

Ayers likely to be called up?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Bad news update on two injured pitchers, reality checks on two others

In a recent piece at MLB.com, the 25-year-old Ayers was listed as the Cubs’ most likely prospect callup when MLB rosters expand on September 1:

“The Cubs have a quality catching tandem with Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya, and they may not have a lot of at-bats to give a newcomer. But Ayers’ right-handed power and ability to catch while also handling first base and perhaps the outfield corners could make him useful down the stretch. He has gone from 19th-rounder out of Marshall in 2024 to a Top 100 Prospect two years later, and he’s batting .301/.416/.573 with 24 homers and 11 steals in 101 games while advancing from High-A to Triple-A.”

Ayers’ rise to the top-level of the Cubs organization has been quick and mostly unexpected. A 19th round pick in the 2024 draft, the switch-hitting catcher has moved through every level of the organization, but has really turbo-charged his development this season, where he’s gone from High-A South Bend to Double-A Knoxville to Triple-A Iowa.

He’s brought his bat along the way, slashing .304/.417/.570 over the three levels with 24 home runs, 74 RBIs and even 12 stolen bases.

But perhaps the most impressive part of his game is defense, where he’s become a true asset, despite not even playing the position until his senior year in college.

Offense and Defense?

Blessed with a rocket for an arm and overall sound athleticism, he’s currently learning the nuances of the position and has become especially adept at framing.

Per Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register:

Manager Marty Pevey told me he’s been very impressed by the work of catcher Owen Ayers behind the plate:

“He’s so good with his glove that it makes me want to yell at the umpires…He makes pitches that are three (inches) off, appear to be strikes.”

MLB Pipeline currently has him ranked no. 93 on their top prospects list, one of only two Cubs—along with outfielder Josiah Hartshorn—in their Top 100.

This is all good news for a Cubs team in desperate need of some incoming prospect support and a possible replacement for an outgoing Carson Kelly.

Bringing Ayers up for some quality time with big league coaches and veterans, as well as some seasoning in the heat of a playoff race could be valuable for the young talent.

It’ll also be valuable for the Cubs as they assess their catching situation.

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The Chicago Cubs farm system is in a bad place right now, at least according to just about every analyst.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Bad news update on two injured pitchers, reality checks on two others

According to MLB Pipeline, the organization is ranked no. 28 among the 30 MLB clubs.

The team was already top-heavy with talent at the highest levels of the organization as of a couple of years ago and it was obvious that, soon enough, that talent would either be graduated or traded away.

As the Cubs have firmly been in “win now” mode for the last couple seasons, many of those young assets found themselves shipped off in deals to bring in impact talent for the here and now.

Just over these last two seasons, the Cubs have traded away numerous Top 30 prospects, including highly-rated young talents such as Owen Caissie, Jefferson Rojas, Cam Smith, Moises Ballesteros, Jonathan Long, and Mason McGwire.

Then, of course, there are the prospects who have advanced to the major league team, like Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, and Cade Horton.

Deep in recovery, replenish mode

More News: Chicago Cubs rookie gets high praise from Alex Bregman, “He’s gonna be a superstar”

So, it only stands to reason that the farm system is now deep into recovery and replenish mode.

The experts and analysts, however, are not cutting them any slack.

Per MLB Pipeline:

The Cubs have traded more players (15) appearing on other organizations’ Top 30 Prospects lists, which has taken a toll on their system. Three of their five best farmhands are outfielders from the 2025 Draft (Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, Kane Kepley) and Ayers continues to build on his Arizona Fall League breakout from a year ago. Chicago desperately needs pitching and took steps to address that shortfall by using 11 of its first 13 selections in the 2026 Draft on pitchers, starting with right-hander Cade Townsend at No. 23 overall.

The online prospect assessment publication only has two Cubs listed among their Top 100 prospects: OF/1B Josiah Hartshorn at no. 39 and C Owen Ayers at no. 93.

Shortly after the MLB Pipeline ranking was released, ESPN issued their own Top prospect rankings and they were even harder on the Cubs. According to them, only one Cub rated among the Top 100—Hartshorn, at no. 41.

Not all doom and gloom

Despite these dismal assessments, everything is not doom and gloom when it comes to Chicago’s farm system.

Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley make up a trio of quality outfield prospects shooting up from the lower levels of the organization right now. Ayers is a stud who could get a call-up to the bigs this season and will almost assuredly be there in 2027. Pitcher Jaxon Wiggins has a high ceiling despite physical struggles this season. Outfielder Kevin Alcantara still has high-end tools and potential. The team also invested heavily in pitching at this year’s draft, giving some hope that the organization will now more aggressively pursue young, quality arms.

Then, there’s the fact that the current big league roster is loaded with 20-something talents who should make up the nucleus of a competitive team for the next few years, as the farm system builds itself back up.

But for the next couple years, maybe, one shouldn’t expect a lot of minor league help jumping up to help the big league Cubs.

The post Chicago Cubs farm system trashed, ranked bottom of the barrel appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong is in the middle of a historic season and is the current MVP favorite in the National League. Crow-Armstrong has been on a tear as of late as the Cubs look to catch the Milwaukee Brewers.

With PCA already being a popular player in Chicago, the rest of the country is getting a look at what he can do now. It’s caused a spike in his popularity overall as well as his trading card market over the past few months. Being in that MVP race, PCA cards have exploded on the market and the prices have gone significantly up. That will continue to be the case as long as he stays in the MVP race and plays at this level.

But how crazy has it been?

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s card market taking off

Sports Collectors Daily wrote on PCA’s card market last week and how it has taken off. They included some stats as of recent, showing just how much of an impact it has had in the sports collectors world:

With Crow-Armstrong now the clubhouse leader for the NL MVP Award and taking advantage of Shohei Ohtani only being spectacular instead of a unicorn, interest in his cards is growing rapidly.  Nearly every day,.more than 1,000 Crow-Armstrong cards sell on eBay alone.  On August 6, more than 1,800 changed hands. His CardLadder index is up over 44% in the last three months.

Even though he is a 24-year-old who really had his breakout season last year, Crow-Armstrong has been featured on baseball cards for the past decade.

Crow-Armstrong cards are going to go up the better he plays and it wouldn’t shock us to a new record sale set of one of his cards. If you’re chasing PCA rookie cards, autograph cards, or even numbered cards, be ready to open up the wallet.

The post Pete Crow-Armstrong trading cards trending upwards with MVP run appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been on the wrong end of several top MLB prospect call-ups this season, and that unfortunate trend is set to continue this weekend. According to Jeff Passan, the Seattle Mariners are calling up left-handed pitching prospect Kade Anderson, who is expected to make his MLB debut against the Cubs on Saturday, August 22.

BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners plan to call up left-hander Kade Anderson, the top pitching prospect in baseball, to start Saturday, sources tell ESPN. Anderson, the third pick in the 2025 draft, has a 1.06 ERA over 93.1 innings with 135 strikeouts, 13 walks and 47 hits allowed.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 20, 2026

Assuming Anderson debuts on Saturday as expected, he will be the first player out of the 2025 MLB Draft to do so. In facing him, Cubs batters won’t be blown away by velocity, as he sits 92-94 MPH. However he has a sinking changeup that has a 48 percent miss rate in the minor leagues this year, while also throwing in a slider and curveball.

Time will tell how Chicago fares against the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect, but the Cubs have already faced a similar challenge this month. On August 12, Chicago squared off against Washington Nationals left-handed pitching prospect Jackson Kent, who entered the game ranked as their No. 9 prospect. The Cubs managed to push three runs across against Kent in four innings, while also drawing five walks.

Beyond facing two of the game’s top left-handed pitching prospects, the Cubs have also had the unusual misfortune of facing two other highly touted prospects during their MLB debuts.

The Chicago Cubs keep getting unlucky with top prospect call-ups, and Kade Anderson is next

Outside of Kent, the Cubs have also faced a pair of highly touted position player prospects in their MLB debuts this season. Back in June, the Colorado Rockies called up center fielder Cole Carrigg, who made his major league debut against Chicago. Carrigg went 1-for-3 in his first game, recording a triple and a walk as he began his MLB career against the Cubs.

More recently, the St. Louis Cardinals promoted Joshua Baez, who made MLB history against Matthew Boyd. He homered in each of his first three at-bats off Boyd, including the first pitch he saw in the majors. Chicago lost that game by 8-4, in which Baez was responsible for five of St. Louis’s runs scored.

Ahead of Anderson’s MLB Debut this weekend, all this is a remainder of the unusual trend Chicago has faced this season. Now, the Cubs will have to contend with yet another highly touted prospect making his first appearance at the big league level, and against a Mariners team fighting for a playoff spot.

The post The Cubs unlucky trend with top prospect call-ups to continue this weekend with Kade Anderson next appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Before the 2026 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs made the decision to sign free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year $175 million contract. With such a large salary, the team hoped that he would be an immediate force in the middle of their lineup. Unfortunately, that is not how things came to pass.

In March/April, Bregman hit .258/.350/.371 with three home runs and 11 RBI. In May, he struggled more, slashing .261/.331/.357 with two home runs and seven RBI.

But even that was not as bad as June, when he hit .200/.348/.300 with two home runs and 11 RBI. It was not until after the All-Star break that Chicago started to see a return on its investment.

Chicago Cubs 3B Alex Bregman suddenly named a top-10 hitter in MLB

As of late, though, Bregman has been on a tear. Indeed, in 31 games played since the All-Star break, the Cubs third baseman is hitting .296/.371/.536 with seven home runs and 22 RBI.

His recent stretch led a panel of reporters and analysts from MLB.com to declare Bregman the ninth-best hitter in baseball (currently):

“Like Alonso, Bregman signed a five-year deal with a new team in the offseason, arriving with expectations of helping lead a club with high hopes for 2026. Like Alonso, he didn’t introduce himself to a new fanbase with his best foot forward. And, once more, like Alonso, he is rectifying that as the season goes along. Bregman owns an .888 OPS since July 1, with nine of his 16 total home runs, and perhaps not coincidentally, the Cubs are 26-15 in that time.”

It is also worth noting that Bregman now has more RBI (63) at this point in the season than he did all of last year (62). He has not produced to the level Chicago has wanted overall, but he is starting to be more productive when they have needed him to be the most.

Come October, it will not matter how badly he struggled earlier in the year if he keeps on hitting the way he has in August.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs get bad news update on two injured pitchers
• Cubs rookie gets high praise from Alex Bregman
• Daniel Palencia will have a different role for Cubs after he returns

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have a 98.6% chance to make the MLB Playoffs. In other words, the only realistic way in which they do not appear in the postseason is if they go on an all time run of futility and collapse. Jobs would almost certainly be lost on the coaching staff, and numerous players would be sent packing.

Realistically, Chicago is about to cruise into October looking to make some noise in the ultra-competitive National League. However, they are poised to do so as the league’s top Wild Card and not as a division leader.

The biggest question facing the Chicago Cubs is if they can catch the Milwaukee Brewers

At 74-54, Chicago has the fifth-best record in all Major League Baseball. However, they stand five full games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central Division. If they are unable to overtake Milwaukee, the Brewers will win the NL Central for the fourth year in a row.

According to Cubs insider Jordan Bastian, whether or not they can reclaim the division lead is the biggest question facing Chicago at this point in the season:

“A three-game losing streak back from June 7-10 knocked the Cubs eight games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. At that moment in time, Chicago’s odds of winning the division slipped to 5.5%, per FanGraphs.

“The North Siders played 21 games above .500 over the next 59 games (40-19) to not only strengthen their grip on a Wild Card spot but also pull within shouting distance of Milwaukee.

“The Cubs have a challenging schedule the rest of the way, but chasing down the Brewers remains a goal for a club that added two veteran starters — Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes — at the Deadline, have an MVP contender in Pete Crow-Armstrong and boast baseball’s best defense.”

Despite their 40-19 run over their last 59 games, the Cubs picked up only three games on the Brewers. However, Chicago still has seven games remaining this season against Milwaukee, four of which will be played at home at Wrigley Field.

There is no argument that the Cubs boast a more potent offense. However, Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been far more dominant and, almost just as vital, healthy.

The division race could really come down to which of the two teams is able to finish the year with the more healthy pitching staff.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs get bad news update on two injured pitchers
• Cubs rookie gets high praise from Alex Bregman
• Daniel Palencia will have a different role for Cubs after he returns

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are 74-54 following their series victory over their southside rivals. It was truly an amazing series, one that saw the Cubs win the first two games in walk-off fashion. The first game saw Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a walk-off home run in extra innings (after he led off that same contest with a home run), and Alex Bregman win the second contest with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth.

Despite their winnings ways of late, Chicago still remains five games out of first place in the National League Central Division. However, their strong play is a strong indication that they are not resigned to settling for a Wild Card spot again. They are fighting until the very end.

Alex Bregman gets a shoutout as the Chicago Cubs come in fifth in the latest power rankings

Thursday’s ESPN MLB power rankings saw the Cubs slide in at fifth, a position they held last week too. In their explanation for the ranking, they gave Bregman a shoutout for how good he has been as of late:

“Alex Bregman quietly had one of the better weeks among all hitters. Yes, his first three-homer game created some headlines, but he followed that with a three-hit game Monday while continuing to earn his share of walks and keeping the line moving for the Cubs.

“The best version of Bregman has him hitting doubles to right and right center while pulling homers to hitter-friendly left field at Wrigley — at least when the wind is blowing out. Over the course of six games last week, he had the highest OPS in baseball.”

Bregman is currently hitting .255/.345/.404 this year, which is a dip from the .273/.360/.462 that he hit before they signed him to a five-year $175 million contract. However, he has nearly as many home runs (16) as he did last year (18), and more RBI (63 compared to 62).

In the 31 games he has played since the All-Star break, Bregman is hitting .296/.371/.536 with seven home runs and 22 RBI. He has been especially hot thus far in August, slashing .296/.375/.549. His five home runs this month are the most he has hit in any month this year, and his 16 RBI are his second-highest monthly total.

It is August 20.

If he can keep up his recent offensive hot streak, Chicago can continue to make things difficult in the NL Central.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs get bad news update on two injured pitchers
• Cubs rookie gets high praise from Alex Bregman
• Daniel Palencia will have a different role for Cubs after he returns

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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A big storyline in this latter part of the season for the Chicago Cubs has been the small legion of injured pitchers approaching a return to the majors.

More News: Chicago Cubs rookie gets high praise from Alex Bregman, “He’s gonna be a superstar”

With the four pitchers picked up at the trade deadline and those slated for a comeback, fans and media anticipated a surplus of pitching possibilities as the regular season ended and the postseason began.

Some of those big comebacks look to be on the verge of panning out. Closer Daniel Palencia will be activated from the IL this Friday. Hoby Milner will be joining the team soon. The Cubs are also issuing positive reports on Ben Brown, who they believe could be back in a bullpen capacity by the final stretch of the season.

Some of the anticipated returns, however, are not so filled with positivity.

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic recently posted an update on some of the Cubs pitchers working towards a return—and there was just as much bad and neutral news as there was good news.

Reality checks on Steele and Miller

More News: Chicago Cubs: Gausman, Cabrera struggles create opening for Assad’s forced entry

Justin Steele, who suffered a setback in his recovery from last year’s elbow surgery, is now firmly in the “well, maybe not after all” lane after earlier reports of the veteran lefty possibly coming back in time for the postseason.

Per Sharma:

“Justin Steele continues his methodical rehab process as Counsell said he’s on the “precipice” of facing hitters. It remains to be seen if he can get back to the big leagues this season. Just getting in game action, at any level, before the end of the season would be nice for Steele.”

Shelby Miller was signed to a two-year deal this offseason with the understanding that 2026 would be a recovery year after elbow surgery last fall. The veteran’s recovery, however, has been ahead of schedule and he’s already been designated for a minor league rehab assignment.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll be back in the majors this season. Counsell has recently thrown a bit of a wet blanket over the idea of Miller pitching for Chicago in 2026.

“This is a longer ramp-up because we have to make sure Shelby can recover,” Counsell said. “He can’t pitch on a schedule; he has to be a standard member of the bullpen. And that’s probably the thing that will take a little longer.”

Bad news on Martin and Harvey

Meanwhile, the Cubs manager has flat-out nixed the possibility of rookie Riley Martin pitching for the Cubs this season. The southpaw seemed to be at the start of a breakthrough season until he went on the shelf with a left elbow flexor strain. Per Sharma, the injury could possibly even require surgery.

Also firmly aboard the bad news train is Hunter Harvey.

“We’re not in a great place with Harvey,” Counsell said. “He’s struggling to get going. We are running out of time there. The next couple days should tell us what direction we’re going there.”

The oft-injured righty was acquired on a one-year, $6 million contract in the offseason as a possible late-game, high-leverage bullpen asset. Harvey’s 2026, however, consists of just 4 innings pitched and an ERA of 6.75.

At least the Cubs will have Palencia and Milner back soon enough. Maybe even Brown could keep himself healthy playing a short-burst high-leverage role in the bullpen as the regular season comes to an end.

Chicago, like every other team pushing for postseason glory, will need all the pitching it can get.

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The Chicago Cubs have had a lot of good fortune, even in a season overloaded with injury and misfortune. There is, after all, a reason the team is 20 games over .500 and atop the NL Wild Card race despite multiple high-profile injuries.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Gausman, Cabrera struggles create opening for Assad’s forced entry

One of this season’s good-news stories is a bit of a surprise—Pedro Ramirez.

The 22-year-old prospect was well-regarded in the Cubs organization, although not especially earmarked for big things in the big leagues. But the switch-hitting Venezuelan seemingly flipped a switch over the last year or so and turned himself into one of the organization’s most valued prospects. During spring training this season, he turned heads and captured the notice of manager Craig Counsell, who later said that Ramirez was big league-ready right out of the pre-season.

“He’s a big-leaguer,” Counsell said at the time. “He’s going to be a good big-leaguer. He’s got a really good head on his shoulders, really good baseball intelligence. It’s great to see him off to a good start and really taking another step.”

Given his overall development, it wasn’t a surprise that he’d make the major league roster at some point in 2026. And when Matt Shaw went down to injury, it was a no-brainer that Ramirez—who profiles as a similar multi-tool, multi-role asset as Shaw—would get the call.

Ramirez has now firmly established himself as a big league asset. Over 52 games, but with limited plate appearances, he’s hitting .285 with 2 home runs and 15 RBIs. On the field, he’s played second base, third base, first base, and left field and has done well at all positions.

Bregman on Ramirez

More News: Pete Crow-Armstrong gushes over hero Javy Baez: “He was the s**t”

Teammates have noticed Ramirez as someone who plays with the poise and baseball IQ of a veteran, but with the enthusiasm of a kid.

Third baseman Alex Bregman would even go on record recently with high praise, predicting big things for the rookie.

“Pedro Ramirez, in my opinion, I think, is gonna be a superstar,” Bregman said in a post-game interview with TNT Sports.

Finding an every day spot

Talk is already circulating regarding possible every day roles for the young talent. With Bregman at third and Nico Hoerner at second—Ramirez’s two strongest positions—playing time will be very limited there. One possible option, though, is putting him in a corner outfield spot as a fill-in for either Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki, who both become free agents at the end of this season.

Per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic:

“The Cubs have been so impressed with Ramírez that they’re already starting to wonder how he fits into their future. With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki heading into free agency this winter, the Cubs are getting comfortable with the idea of giving Ramírez an everyday role in a corner outfield spot.”

Whatever the case, the Cubs have been impressed by what they’ve seen and clearly feel that they are a better team with Ramirez around.

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The Chicago Cubs are 74-54 following the 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday afternoon. Still, they took two out of three from their cross-town rivals, and are primed to take on the lowly Seattle Mariners this weekend.

What is more, the Cubs announced on Wednesday that their injured closer, Daniel Palencia, will be activated from the injured list on Friday. He recently had been transferred to the 60-day injured list in a flurry of roster moves Chicago made as more players were placed on respective injured lists and prospects called up to take their spots on the active roster.

Daniel Palencia will not be the Chicago Cubs closer when he returns

Palencia’s move to the 60-day injured list was not because he suffered a setback in his recovery. Instead, it was because Chicago temporarily needed to create a spot on the 40-man roster.

Earlier today, the Cubs announced that their closer will be activated from the injured list on Friday and join them for their series against the Mariners. However, he will not return as their closer.

According to Cubs Insider:

“Rather than have him resume his role as closer, Craig Counsell said on Tuesday that Palencia will serve as an out-getter as the situation dictates. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy joined The Score’s Mully & Haugh Wednesday morning to discuss the pending activation and how the Cubs view Palencia as a weapon moving forward.”

Instead of being the closer, manager Craig Counsell plans on using him as an “out-getter.” In other words, he will be used in high-leverage situations at various points in any given game that calls for a pitcher to get 1-2 outs.

Presumably, the hope is that the Cubs can preserve Palencia for a hopeful run in the MLB Playoffs.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Gausman, Cabrera struggles opened the door for Assad’s forced entry
• Pete Crow-Armstrong gushes over hero Javy Baez
• Cubs’ 2nd straight walk-off victory comes close to club record and PCA history

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have claimed infielder Gabriel Arias from the Mets. Arias, 26, was recently designated for assignment by the Mets after appearing in just two games for them. Earlier this season, he was with the Guardians, whom he had played for since his MLB debut in 2022.

This move comes in the wake of the Dansby Swanson injury, adding some infield depth while the Gold Glover is sidelined.

The Cubs claimed INF Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Mets. Gives them a guy with some experience to back-up around the diamond with Dansby Swanson down.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 19, 2026

Picking up a versatile infielder in Arias.

Arias is known more for his glove than his bat. In 364 career MLB games he has slashed .218/.274/.358 with 30 homers, 111 RBI, and a 76 wRC+. He has played all over the infield, with 189.2 innings at first, 261.1 innings at second, 1,488 innings at short, and 572.1 innings at third. Sprinkle in 173 innings in the outfield, and he’s played pretty much everywhere but catcher.

The defensive metrics slightly vary from position, but he’s a career 7 OAA (Outs Above Average) fielder at short. Last year he was a 3 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) fielder at short in a career-high 862 innings. He’s fairly average around the rest of the infield based on OAA, ranging from -1 to 3 between the other three infield spots in his career. One thing to note is that he has a very strong arm.

Nifty catch by Gabriel Arias in the sixth, and a strong throw to turn a double play.

Arias also has hit a three-run homer tonight. pic.twitter.com/axKwsL4VQb

— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) April 11, 2025

It’s not overly exciting, and if he sticks, he won’t play much, but it’s depth. Since Swanson’s injury, there have been several plays that demonstrated just how impactful his glove is. Arias is no Swanson, but adding experience there in certain situations can be useful. It also potentially takes some pressure off rookie Pedro Ramirez in a late-game situation.

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The Chicago Cubs have been dealing with significant injuries on their roster all season long. Unfortunately, it does not seem like the injury bug is going to leave them alone any time soon. The most recent victim is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who is now on the injured list with an oblique strain.

Recent reports state that Swanson’s injury requires a 4-6 week recovery time. The Cubs believe that it will be closer to four weeks, but one can never be too certain with obliques. In any case, Chicago faces the prospect of having to go through most of the rest of the year without their starting shortstop.

The Chicago Cubs have claimed Gabriel Arias off waivers

On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that the Cubs have claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off of waivers from the New York Mets:

The Cubs claimed INF Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Mets. Gives them a guy with some experience to back-up around the diamond with Dansby Swanson down.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 19, 2026

Arias had been designated for assignment by the New York Mets, with whom he appeared in two games and did not record a hit. He had previously been designated for assignment by the Cleveland Guardians, with whom he spent the first 4.5 years of his MLB career.

So far this season, Arias is hitting .235/.273/.371 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 44 games. For his career, he is a .218/.274/.358 hitter.

Arias’ best season was last year when he hit .220/.274/.363 with 11 home runs and 54 RBI in 129 games played.

While Arias does provide the Cubs with some depth at shortstop, he is a super utility player who has appeared at every single position on the field on the Major League level except for pitcher and catcher.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Gausman, Cabrera struggles opened the door for Assad’s forced entry
• Pete Crow-Armstrong gushes over hero Javy Baez
• Cubs’ 2nd straight walk-off victory comes close to club record and PCA history

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs notched another magical walk-off win on Tuesday—their thirteenth of the season and second in two games. In doing so, they secured the three-game series against the crosstown rival White Sox.

More News: Pete Crow-Armstrong gushes over hero Javy Baez: “He was the s**t”

But even with extreme positivity surrounding this team, there are still some areas of concern. The starting rotation is one of them.

Back at the August 3 trade deadline, the Cubs added veteran starters Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, immediately installing them as key pieces to a rotation besieged by injury over the course of the season. With power-pitching starter Edward Cabrera slated to return from the IL soon, there was talk of the team almost having too much depth in the rotation, lacking spots to put qualified starters.

A little over two weeks later, lack of depth seems to be of greater concern than excessive depth.

Rotation Concerns

More News: Chicago Cubs: What to do with free agency-bound Ian Happ?

For one, Cabrera was returned to the IL just one day after being activated and following a horrendous 7 earned runs in 3.2 innings performance.

On Tuesday, starter Gausman left the game after just 4.1 innings, suffering from a cramp in his non-throwing hand. It was an odd reason for removal, but it’s not like the former Toronto Blue Jay was doing all that well anyway.

In this recent outing, the veteran allowed 3 earned runs on 7 hits through the 86-pitching appearance, bringing his ERA through three Cubs starts to a disappointing 6.19.

“I’ve had it happen but usually it’s when I’m kind of over 100 pitches,” Gausman told reporters after the Cubs’ 4-3 win. So that’s when I kind of run into it. Never had it happen that early in an outing. You know, so that’s why it’s kind of frustrating.”

Meanwhile, Javier Assad, who had just been recalled from Triple-A to replace Cabrera—after being sent down to accommodate Cabrera’s return—once again stole the pitching show with a shutdown performance.

The case for Javier Assad

The 29-year-old delivered 3 strong shutout innings to keep the Cubs in the game and help facilitate the comeback win.

On the season, Assad has a 3.46 ERA, but has been glue—both in the rotation and bullpen—to help hold together a pitching staff stressed and strained from injury. Over the last two months, the right-hander has been stellar, posting a 1.71 ERA over 9 appearances.

Assad has been moved back and forth from the minors to the majors multiple times this year due to his status as one of the few Cubs pitchers with minor league options remaining. After this latest game-saving performance, though, there’s been an outcry to just keep him on the big league team.

Throughout his five-year run with Chicago, Assad has frequently been the odd man out. Some speculate that this is because his metrics just don’t support the success he’s had at the big league level and the Cubs tend to lean heavily on metrics. But after 5 seasons, 100 games, and 414.1 innings, maybe it’s time to put the metrics aside.

Per Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib:

“The theme of Assad’s tenure with the Cubs is that he always outperforms his metrics. This season is no different. Through a tick over 83 innings pitched this season, Assad’s xERA is 4.63 and his FIP is 4.97. In other words, Assad’s profile is not meant to be finding the success that he has routinely had during his five-year run with the Cubs.

For his career, Assad carries a 3.43 ERA, with a FIP of 4.56. Assad’s success rarely makes sense, considering the metrics, but he’s become the most dependable pitcher the Cubs have on their staff.”

With Cabrera on the outs and Gausman struggling, the Cubs’ pitching depth may not be so prodigious after all. Assad might end up being the rotation’s salvation.

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Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has loudly been making his case for an MVP award this season with a 2026 that, at times, seems almost too grandiose to be real.

More News: Chicago Cubs: What to do with free agency-bound Ian Happ?

On Monday, “PCA” opened the game with the crosstown rival White Sox at Wrigley Field with a leadoff home run and closed the game with a tenth inning walk off home run to close the game. On Tuesday, he led off, again, with a home run to give the Cubs the early lead.

On the season, the 24-year-old is hitting .282 with 31 home runs and 79 RBIs while also stealing 31 bases and playing elite outfield defense. Beyond the numbers, it seems like the young talent’s very presence on the field is electric and that he just makes things happen when he’s involved.

The last player to give off that kind of energy was shortstop Javier Baez.

Ironically enough, there are two ties that connect the Cub impact players.

First, of course, Crow-Armstrong came to the Cubs from the New York Mets organization in a 2021 trade for Baez and pitcher Trevor Williams.

The second connection is a lesser-known one—Baez was PCA’s baseball hero growing up.

“The most exciting thing to ever happen to my childhood”

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell offers brutally honest take on Cabrera’s troubles

“I don’t know how to talk about it really,” Crow-Armstrong recently gushed on the Pardon My Take podcast. “Because it is crazy. That was my favorite player. That was my favorite player by far. I remember trying to hit like him in the cage.”

“Oh, God! I remember just everything about that guy,” he said. “I remember his first homer in Coors. Like, he just, he was the most exciting thing to ever happen to my childhood probably…That guy was the sh*t. He was the coolest.”

And when he learned as a 19-year-old prospect that he had been traded for his hero, Crow-Armstrong admits that it was hard to process.

“I did not believe it when I found out, really,” he said. “But yeah, I got to meet him last year.”

The PCA-Baez meeting

That first meeting took place in June of 2025 at Comerica Park against the Detroit Tigers.

Between innings, Crow-Armstrong approached Baez to thank him and let him know how much he meant to him.

“I got to say thank you for just existing because that’s why I’m here now,” Crow-Armstrong said.

Baez, who was once the gushing young star himself, was touched and came away with nothing but positives from the meeting.

“He’s a really nice guy,” Baez later said. “It feels good to know the young guys know my career.”

There really are a lot of similarities between the two players, aside from the energy they bring to the field every day. Elite, almost otherworldly, defense is one. The potential for impact offense is another.

Baez, however, was never quite able to conquer his instincts to hack at the plate and chase pitches out of the zone. Crow-Armstrong, who was similarly aggressive, seems to have tempered that flaw in his game this season.

PCA is now deeply in the conversation for MVP consideration while bringing Javy Baez “what will he do next” vibes to this 2026 Cubs team.

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For the second consecutive night, Chicago Cubs fans witnessed history. On Monday, Aug. 17, Pete Crow-Armstrong stole the spotlight by going 4-for-5 with two home runs, including a leadoff blast and a walk-off homer, while also becoming the latest member of the 30/30 club. One night later, he once again greeted the crosstown rival White Sox with a leadoff home run, continuing his remarkable stretch.

According to Sarah Langs, no other Cubs player has followed a walk-off home run by leading off the next game with another home run. Crow-Armstrong is just the 13th player since 1900 to accomplish the feat, with José Altuve being the most recent in 2021. Even more impressively, Crow-Armstrong is the first player in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run in a game immediately after hitting both a leadoff and walk-off home run in the previous game.

Outside of Crow-Armstrong’s continued brilliance, the Cubs and White Sox once again needed a walk-off to decide the crosstown matchup. This time, the Cubs took care of business in the ninth inning to secure the win following a 1-hour, 28-minute rain delay. The delay appeared to disrupt the White Sox’s bullpen plans, as the tarp came onto the field before Grant Taylor could enter for what was expected to be a multi-inning appearance. In the end, it was Alex Bregman who delivered the decisive blow, driving in the game-winning run against Trevor Richards.

Alex Bregman’s walk-off gives Chicago Cubs second straight walk-off over White Sox, inching them closer to franchise record

2026 has quickly become the year of the walk-off victory for the Cubs. After delivering two more in consecutive games, Chicago now has 13 walk-off wins on the season, putting them just one shy of the franchise record of 14, set in 1930. The Cubs’ 13 walk-offs also match their total from 2015, the last season in which they came this close to the franchise mark. With plenty of baseball still to play, Chicago has a legitimate chance to set a new franchise record.

Start singing, Cubs fans

Alex Bregman lines a walk-off single! pic.twitter.com/7TeHNJZw8c

— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2026

The Cubs’ ability to win in dramatic fashion has become one of the defining stories of their 2026 season. Furthermore, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been at the center of it as his historic two-homer performance in game one, followed by another leadoff blast the next night, helped set the stage and further strengthen his case to become the first Cubs MVP since Kris Bryant in 2016.

The post Cubs’ 2nd straight walk-off comes with near franchise record and more Pete Crow-Armstrong history appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs spent much of the early part of the season wondering when Pete Crow-Armstrong was going to snap out of his long slump. While he had the franchise’s first 30-30 season since Sammy Sosa last season, he hit just .216/.262/.372 with six home runs and 24 RBI after last year’s All-Star break.

In March/April of this season, Crow-Armstrong hit just .241/.307/.362 with three home runs and 13 RBI. In May, he hit .233/.344/.418 with four home runs and 13 more RBI.

But then the calendar flipped to June, and PCA took off. That month, he hit .381/.468/.781 with 11 home runs and 20 RBI. After having been moved down to ninth in the batting order, he was put back in the leadoff spot and has not looked back.

Chicago Cubs players believe Pete Crow-Armstrong should win the NL MVP Award

In July, PCA hit .278/.400/.611 with six home runs and 17 RBI. So far in August, he has a slash line of .273/.377/.636 with six home runs and 15 RBI (and the month is only half over).

On Monday night, the Cubs centerfielder took the first pitch he saw for a leadoff home run. Then, in the bottom of the tenth inning, he hit a walk-off bomb for his second longshot on the night, giving him another 30-30 season.

Afterwards, his teammates left no doubt who should win the National League MVP Award.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a player like that “where you watch him play, and make the fantastic plays that he does, and you’re not really surprised,” Shota Imanaga said. “But it’s the expectations that you may have, or a fan may have for him, and he always passes it. It’s been incredible.”

“I’m glad he’s on my team,” said Jacob Webb. “I’m going to say Pete’s my MVP. Definitely, I feel like he’s earned it. I think he’s that good of a player.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell added, “This might be his best game in the big leagues right here. It was an amazing game.”

So far in 2026, Crow-Armstrong is hitting .281/.379/.550 with 30 home runs, 78 RBI, and 31 stolen bases. He also leads Major League Baseball with a 7.7 WAR.

It has gotten to the point where many believe that, since Shohei Ohtani is not pitching right now due to injury, PCA is the favorite to win the NL MVP Award.

He almost certainly deserves it.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• What the Cubs should do with free agency-bound Ian Happ
• Edward Cabrera latest setback highlights front office failure
• Craig Counsell offers honest take on Edward Cabrera’s struggles

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have established themselves as perennial contenders in the National League. In order to get to this point, they have both acquired and developed players that are mainstays at various positions. Currently, Michael Busch is entrenched at first base; but there was a time not too long ago when Chicago did not have a sure answer at first base. As a result, multiple veterans were signed and given the opportunity to stick, though none succeeded until Busch.

One of these was Trey Mancini, who announced his retirement from baseball today after an eight-year career.

Former Chicago Cubs first baseman Trey Mancini has retired from baseball

Mancini, one of the most inspirational players in the game, played for the Cubs in 2023. That year, he hit .234/.299/.336 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 79 games.

On Tuesday, he announced his retirement:

Trey Mancini has announced his retirement after 8 Major League seasons spent with the Orioles, Astros, Cubs and Angels.

The 34-year-old Mancini was awarded AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 after missing the previous season as he battled colon cancer. He completed his… pic.twitter.com/RPpaigba50

— MLB (@MLB) August 18, 2026

As mentioned in the post above, Mancini saw his Major League career interrupted when he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2020 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. The year prior, he had hit .291/.364/.535 with 35 home runs and 97 RBI. At the time, he looked like a rising star in the league.

Mancini beat cancer and returned to the Majors in 2021 with Baltimore. That year, he was the AL Comeback Player of the Year after hitting .255/.326/.432 with 21 home runs and 71 RBI.

The Orioles traded Mancini to the Houston Astros in 2022, and helped that team win the World Series. After playing for Chicago in 2023, Mancini took a year off from baseball.

Desiring to play in the Majors once more, he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but spent all of 2025 at Triple-A.

This season, he signed another minor league deal, this time with the Los Angeles Angeles. He was called up in early June, and hit .308/.286/.462 with four RBI in five games. The Angels designated Mancini for assignment on June 17.

But he did it. For the second time in his career, he overcame impossible odds and returned to the Majors, albeit for a brief while.

And now, his career is done. On his terms.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• What the Cubs should do with free agency-bound Ian Happ
• Edward Cabrera latest setback highlights front office failure
• Craig Counsell offers honest take on Edward Cabrera’s struggles

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs may be working towards a playoff berth, but they also have to be looking at the situation facing them after this season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Counsell offers brutally honest take on Cabrera’s troubles

A good portion of the current roster will be eligible for free agency and many big decisions will have to be made when it comes to roster and budget for 2027 and beyond.

Among those potentially leaving are core veterans Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Carson Kelly. Then, there are the short-timers and add-ons who will also potentially be leaving like Kevin Gausman, David Peterson, Michael Conforto, Hoby Milner, Tyrone Taylor, Aaron Civale, Trent Thornton, Ryan Rolison, and likely Clay Holmes, who’s sitting on a $12 million player’s option for 2027.

While the Cubs could go out and fill all those spots with new acquisitions, they’d probably prefer to keep a few around—especially the core veterans.

Left fielder Ian Happ is one of those who should be considered in the “must retain” conversation.

There’s definitely a case to be made against keeping the 10-year veteran around.

The argument against Ian Happ

More News: Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia cooks in latest rehab outing, nearing return to majors

His long stretches of flat-lining offensive production are beyond frustrating and, ultimately, problematic for a Cubs team in “win now” mode. Currently hitting .215, he’s on track to have the lowest average of his career in this contract year.

The biggest case against re-signing Happ, though, may be that spending money to do so could cost the team money arguably better spent on keeping Seiya Suzuki or on pitching over the offseason.

The 32-year-old is currently finishing up a 3-year, $61 contract extension and will surely be expecting more money for a longer time in any new deal. Even given his defensive excellence and his leadership role on the team, spending $100+ million for five more years of Happ doesn’t seem like outfielder money optimally spent—especially with a trio of quality outfield prospects (Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley) a couple of years away from being major league-ready and Suzuki also heading into free agency.

Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib succinctly sums up the dilemma facing the Cubs:

“A quick reminder on the truths facing the Cubs this season. Both Happ and Suzuki will be free agent this offseason. Most of the Cubs’ pitching staff will also hit free agency. The Cubs’ primary focus will be on adding pitching. Suzuki is pacing to be one of the best free-agent bats available. Happ should also be coveted, but his peculiar 2026 season likely places him in tier below Suzuki’s contract projections.”

But Happ’s plug-and-play consistency…

Having Happ around in left field, on a team with explosive offensive potential all around him, would be nice. He’s a low-volatility plug-and-play asset who’s a known, consistent commodity. You know you’re getting a Gold Glove left fielder, 20+ home runs, a league-average (or slightly lower) batting average, and pockets of high-end production around his extended slumps.

He’s also a player firmly invested in the city of Chicago with his roots firmly planted there.

Given his affinity for the city and for the Cubs organization, could Happ be willing to go for a two or three-year extension with just a slight raise in AAV—maybe even a good chunk of the money coming via deferred payment?

That might be the compromise to make. Because, realistically, if the choice ends up being either him or Suzuki, there’s probably more of a case to be made in retaining the Japanese star.

The post Chicago Cubs: What to do with free agency-bound Ian Happ? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Edward Cabrera’s outing last Sunday after his stint on the IL was a stuff made of nightmares. Not only did he get rocked, but it was also revealed after the game that he had another blister.

The Cubs were in scramble mode today, as multiple pitchers were called up. And Cabrera goes to another IL stint after just one start. At this point, the Cubs aren’t dealing with bad luck. They’re dealing with a pitcher they cannot rely on.

Cabrera’s blister issues have officially crossed the threshold from “annoying” to “career‑defining.” This latest flare‑up puts him back on the IL. He won’t return to the rotation, and they must treat him as a bullpen‑only option the rest of this season.

Cabrera said he wants to help the team win, including going to the bullpen, which sounds nice and contrite. But even if he pitches out of the bullpen after his latest IL stint, will the Cubs have any idea what version of Cabrera they’re getting? More importantly, can they even trust him?

Jed Hoyer’s gamble on Cabrera looks like a failure

Cubs fans will remember Jed Hoyer was pursuing another Marlins pitcher, Jesus Luzardo, back in 2024. But the medical red flags spooked the front office enough to walk away. The Marlins ended up trading him to the Phillies. During the 2025 campaign, compiling a 15-7 record and 3.92 ERA with 216 strikeouts. He signed a 5-year, $135 million extension in March, and he is 11-5 with a 3.23 ERA and went to his first All-Star Game this season.

Meanwhile, the Cubs acquired Cabrera as a long‑term rotation piece who could anchor the staff a year later. Though he dealt with blisters in the past, Hoyer gambled that Cabrera’s stuff and upside would outweigh the risk. 

Which part of Luzardo’s medical report made Hoyer walk away? Why wasn’t Cabrera’s history of blisters a problem?  Right now, the trade looks like a massive failure for Hoyer and the Cubs.  

Here’s the part that makes the Cabrera situation borderline catastrophic for the Cubs: He becomes a free agent after the 2028 season.

And look at the timeline:

• 2026: A complete wash — injuries, inconsistency, and now another IL stint
• 2027: Expected to be wiped out by the looming strike
• 2028: His final year under team control 

That means the Cubs realistically have only one more season to figure out what Cabrera actually is.

Further complicating things for the Cubs is that there are many starting pitchers who will become free agents at the end of the season: Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and three pitchers Hoyer recently acquired: David Peterson, Kevin Gausman, and Clay Holmes.

Both Gausman and Boyd will be 36 next season; Imanaga and Holmes will turn 34, and Peterson will be 32. The Cubs might still have to re‑sign a few of them, age concerns or not. That’s because no one in their minor league system who is remotely ready to contribute right now. That explains why they drafted 15 collegiate pitchers in this year’s draft.

The entire point of landing a controllable pitcher is availability, durability, and reliability. Instead, the Cubs have a pitcher who can’t stay healthy enough to stay in the rotation. And they have no realistic path to a long‑term commitment.

Hoyer will likely enter another off-season tasked with upgrading the rotation. But can he afford to trade away top-hitting prospects like Ethan Conrad, Kane Kepley, and Josiah Hartshon for another shot at a controllable pitcher? The price will be much steeper than what they gave up for Cabrera.

With Luzardo’s success in Philadelphia, Hoyer better be ready to face more pressure and skepticism moving forward.

The post Edward Cabrera’s latest setback is a full‑blown front‑office failure appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are at wit’s end when it comes to Edward Cabrera.

On Monday, just a day after coming off the IL and getting shellacked by the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field, the hard-throwing right-hander was put right back on the IL with blister issues.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia cooks in latest rehab outing, nearing return to majors

While the 15-day shelving of the 28-year-old should give him plenty of time to get healthy and rejoin the team before the end of the regular season, there’s no guarantee anymore that the Cubs’ plans involve him. The power pitcher is now on his third IL stint of the season and is sporting an ugly 5.68 ERA over 15 starts.

In the heat of a pennant race and with the playoffs virtually right around the corner, the team simply doesn’t have the time or the space to figure out Cabrera’s problems and get them sorted out.

Counsell: “I wish every story was a success story.”

More News: Chicago Cubs: Patience for Cabrera runs thin, Counsell speaks on pitcher’s future

Manager Craig Counsell, speaking to media after the Cubs’ exciting tenth inning walkoff win on Monday, displayed surprising candor when it comes to the whole Cabrera situation.

“It hasn’t clicked,” Counsell told reporters. “You spend a lot of time figuring those out. I wish every story was a success story. This one, right now, is not. We’re certainly going to keep working on trying to find answers there and trying to find solutions.”

Cabrera came to Chicago this past offseason in a trade with the Miami Marlins in exchange for the Cubs’ no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie and two infield prospects. The Cubs had long been enamored by Cabrera’s raw ability and his potential to develop into an ace-level starting pitcher. The feeling was that the native of the Dominican Republic had turned a corner in his development last year and was maybe just a tweak or two away from becoming the consistent front-of-rotation power pitcher the Cubs had needed.

New role for Cabrera?

The recent developments, however, now have the team considering another role for their struggling righty when he’s ready to return. The bullpen may be where Cabrera ends up, at least for the rest of this season.

“Frankly, one thing we’re going to talk about is: Is it happening the longer your outings are? And is that causing this? That may be something we consider for the rest of the year,” Counsell said.

“That’s the working plan right now. We’re hoping we can have the blister behind us. He’s dealt with this and pitched with this (before). One of the things we’re thinking is it doesn’t necessarily pop up in bullpens when the volume is lower, so maybe we can make some progress there, and that can be a fix at least for the last six weeks here.”

Cabrera, meanwhile, is saying all the right things—although he’s also said all the right things before.

“A hundred percent I would go to the bullpen,” Cabrera told reporters via an interpreter. “The important thing is to be here, and to be able to help the team.”

For now, the whole Cabrera experience has been a fail. But there’s no time to worry about that now. The Cubs have playoffs to worry about.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong kicked off the Cubs’ series against the White Sox in spectacular fashion. The 24-year-old MVP candidate crushed the first pitch he saw for a leadoff home run before later delivering a walk-off blast in extra innings to send Cubs fans home happy with a 7-5 victory in the opener of the three-game crosstown series.

Crow-Armstrong’s historic performance left plenty to unpack beyond the final score. His two-home-run effort not only provided the Cubs fans with a memorable walk-off victory, but also added several impressive milestones to his breakout season. From the history he made to the numbers that put his performance into perspective, there are several noteworthy takeaways from his electric night. Here are five of the most fascinating facts and stats from Crow-Armstrong’s performance.

Five facts to know following Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong’s historic night against the White Sox

1) Historic statline

According to OptaSTATS, Crow-Armstrong’s 4-5 performance with one double, two home runs, one walk, and a stolen base is a first. They indicated that no other player in MLB history has reached base time five times, collected four hits in which three of them went for extra bases, stolen a base, and hit a leadoff home run and walk-off home run all in the same game.

2) First career walk-off home run

Over the last three years, Crow-Armstrong has hit a remarkable 71 home runs. That said, his walk-off blast in the 10th inning against the White Sox was his first career walk-off home run, making it a rather memorable one.

3 +4) First leadoff home run and walk-off home run in the same game since…

The last time a MLB player hit a leadoff home run and walk-off home run in the same game was 2010. Back then, Chris Young did it for the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 7. Furthermore, it has been since May 7, 1957 that a MLB player has hit the first pitch of the game for a lead-off home run while also ending the game with a walk-off home run. Back then, Vic Powers did so for the Kansas City A’s.

5) 30/30 club

In this contest, Crow-Armstrong once again joined the 30 home run and 30 stolen base club. According to Meghan Montemurro, he is just the third player in MLB history with multiple 30/30 seasons at age 24 or younger and just the second to do it in back-to-back seasons. Bobby Witt Jr last accomplished this in 2023-2024.

The post 5 stunning Pete Crow-Armstrong facts following electric start to Cubs-White Sox series appeared first on ChiCitySports.

For years, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox rivalry has often felt more like a local tradition than a genuine battle for the postseason. That has changed in 2026.

The two Chicago teams entered their latest Crosstown Classic series with legitimate reasons to believe they could make the playoffs.

The Cubs came into the series at 72-53, while the White Sox sat at 65-58 and held first place in the AL Central.

That alone makes this year’s rivalry worth watching. The teams are not simply playing for bragging rights across the city. Both have something substantial to protect.

For Chicago sports fans, that changes the feeling around every game. A rivalry becomes more interesting when both sides have a season to save or a postseason position to defend.

The White Sox Have Changed the Conversation

The biggest surprise in this year’s Crosstown Classic is probably the White Sox.

Coming off a 102-loss season in 2025, Chicago’s South Side team was not expected to be leading the AL Central deep into the 2026 campaign.

Yet the White Sox have remained near the top of the division for much of the year and entered the Crosstown series after sweeping the Detroit Tigers.

The team’s overall improvement has not come from a single player.

The club added veteran pitcher Luis Castillo at the trade deadline, while younger players have helped give the lineup more life. Chase Meidroth, for example, entered the series as one of the team’s hottest hitters.

The Cubs remain the more established contender, but the White Sox are no longer simply waiting for their next rebuild to take shape. They have spent much of the season showing that they can compete now.

For fans who have followed Chicago baseball through the rougher years, that kind of turnaround can be more exciting than a flashy offseason signing. It is the sort of development that makes people check the standings every morning.

Why the Cubs Still Have the Edge

The Cubs have plenty of good reasons to feel confident, too.

Their 72-53 record gives them a significant advantage over the White Sox in the overall standings, and they have historically had the better results in recent Crosstown meetings.

The Cubs entered this series having won 11 of their previous 13 games against the Sox and six straight at Wrigley Field.

Chicago’s North Side club entered the latest matchup after losing three of its previous four games and dealing with an injury to shortstop Dansby Swanson.

Meanwhile, the White Sox were coming off their sweep of Detroit and carrying considerably more momentum.

Baseball can turn quickly. A pitching matchup, one defensive mistake, or one big swing can change an entire series. The Cubs have the stronger overall season, but the White Sox arrived with momentum and a division lead.

It is almost like watching a GPerya game where the result can turn on one quick moment, except here the stakes spread throughout an entire baseball season.

What Makes This Rivalry Different?

Chicago has no shortage of sports rivalries, but the Cubs and White Sox have something the city’s other major teams cannot quite replicate: they share the same sport and the same city while playing in different leagues.

The Cubs represent the National League and play at Wrigley Field on the North Side. The White Sox play in the American League on the South Side.

Fans do not just argue over which team is better. They often identify and resonate with a part of the city that they belong to.

The stakes become even more interesting when both clubs are competitive simultaneously. According to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the two teams have reached the postseason in the same year only three times: 1906, 2008, and the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

A fourth occurrence in 2026 is therefore possible. The teams play in different leagues, and the postseason paths remain complicated.

But simply having both sides seriously involved in the playoff race creates a different kind of energy around Chicago baseball.

Why Chicago Baseball Is Worth Watching Right Now

The most interesting part of the 2026 baseball season may be that Chicago’s two teams are giving fans different reasons to pay attention.

The Cubs entered the Crosstown Classic as the stronger overall club, with a record that puts them firmly in contention. The White Sox, meanwhile, have turned what looked like another rebuilding season into a legitimate playoff chase.

You do not need to memorize every advanced statistic to understand what is happening. The Cubs are trying to maintain their position among the National League contenders. The White Sox are trying to prove that their dramatic improvement is real.

There is also something refreshing about watching a rivalry regain its competitive edge.

Chicago sports fans are used to passionate debates about the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox.

But baseball has a particularly long season, which means these teams have plenty of time to establish identities before October arrives.

Whether both clubs ultimately reach the postseason remains uncertain. What is already clear is that the 2026 Crosstown Classic carries more weight than it has in several recent seasons.

And for a city that loves arguing about sports, having both sides believe they have a case makes the conversation much more fun.

The post Why the 2026 Crosstown Classic Feels Different for Chicago Sports Fans appeared first on ChiCitySports.

One would be hard-pressed to find a team that has dealt with more significant injuries to key players than the Chicago Cubs. Of course, injuries are part of the game. Every year, each MLB team sees an important player miss time for some kind of ailment, whether it be serious or otherwise.

Unfortunately, the Cubs have had to deal with an unusually high number of injuries to their starting rotation and bullpen. Some of their starters have been lost for the season. Others have had to do multiple stints on the injured list.

What is more, closer Daniel Palencia has been struggling to stay healthy as well.

The Chicago Cubs transfer Daniel Palencia to the 60-day IL

Back in mid-April, Palencia suffered an oblique strain that forced him to miss three weeks of the early season. When he came back, he was as effective as ever, but the injury bug did not leave him alone. On June 16, Palencia was placed on the injured list with a right flexor strain. He has been sidelined ever since.

On Monday, with more injuries reported by the club, Chicago made the decision to transfer their closer from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list:

Another #Cubs transaction: Daniel Palencia is transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Owen Miller.

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) August 17, 2026

As seen in the post above, this decision allowed them to make a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Owen Miller. It does not mean that Palencia’s injury has gotten worse or that he will be out any longer. Rather, it was a move made simply to create a roster spot for someone else. What is more, it is likely that Miller will be designated for assignment before too long. The Cubs just need bodies right now as they prepare to take on the Chicago White Sox.

In 19 appearances this season, Palencia is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA and three saves.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Daniel Palencia cooked in latest rehab outing, nears return to Cubs
• Cubs have the infield depth to survive the Dansby Swanson injury
• Patience for Edward Cabrera is running thin, Craig Counsell discusses pitcher’s future

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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As has been the story all season long, the Chicago Cubs are dealing with yet another injury on their pitching staff. While they are 72-53 and well-entrenched in the postseason picture, there are serious concerns about the quality and depth of their starting rotation.

This past off-season, the Cubs traded away Owen Caissie and other prospects for starter Edward Cabrera. Even though Chicago knew he had a long injury history, they hoped that 2026 would be different.

It has not been. If anything, it has been worse.

The Chicago Cubs have placed Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list

Last season, Cabrera had the best year of his career, starting 26 games while going 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA. Obviously, this is the kind of production that the Cubs were hoping for when they traded for him.

In 15 games this season, however, Cabrera is 5-5 with 5.68 ERA. Even more disappointing than his lack of quality pitching has been his inability to stay healthy.

In May, he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger. Back then, the hope was that letting the blister heal would improve his pitching performances.

It didn’t.

In June, Cabrera suffered a hamstring/adductor strain while falling when trying to cover first base. The injury cost him two months.

And now, in mid-August, he is headed back to the injured list with yet another blister:

As expected, the Cubs placed Edward Cabrera on the injured list with a blister issue and recalled Javier Assad ahead of their crosstown series vs. the White Sox at Wrigley Field.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) August 17, 2026

As can be seen from the post above, Javier Assad has been recalled to take Cabrera’s spot on the roster. He is 6-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 21 games (10 starts) for Chicago this year.

When Cabrera comes back from this stint on the injured list, it is highly probable that manager Craig Counsell will opt to bring him out of the bullpen instead of keeping him in the starting rotation.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Daniel Palencia cooked in latest rehab outing, nears return to Cubs
• Cubs have the infield depth to survive the Dansby Swanson injury
• Patience for Edward Cabrera is running thin, Craig Counsell discusses pitcher’s future

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Cubs: Edward Cabrera lands on 15-day IL (again); corresponding move announced appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs did not end the weekend on a high note. After winning the first game of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals, they dropped the final two. The weekend began with such promise, with Chicago just three games out of first place in the National League Central Division. Because of their two consecutive losses, though, the Cubs are now five games out of first.

This all being said, Chicago is still 72-53 on the season. This is good enough for the top Wild Card spot in the National League, and is actually the fourth-best record in the NL.

The Chicago Cubs are fifth in MLB’s latest power rankings

Despite losing two games in a row to end the weekend, Chicago still has a comfortable lead in the Wild Card and sits just five games out of first place in the NL Central.

Monday’s edition of MLB’s power rankings certainly did not give fans any reason for worry, slotting the Cubs in at fifth:

“The Cubs had to be the supporting characters in the Joshua Báez show on Saturday, and they ended up losing on Sunday as well. But there’s no reason to be too concerned: It was the first time the Cubs had lost two games in a row since July 9-10.”

Saturday and Sunday were incredibly frustrating for Chicago, but they have the opportunity to bounce back in a big way with a three-game series against their cross-town rivals, the Chicago White Sox. This will be the first time the two teams face each other since their dramatic series at Wrigley Field earlier this year.

Unfortunately, that series is what started the Cubs’ 10-game losing streak. Hopefully they can avoid that again.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Daniel Palencia cooked in latest rehab outing, nears return to Cubs
• Cubs have the infield depth to survive the Dansby Swanson injury
• Patience for Edward Cabrera is running thin, Craig Counsell discusses pitcher’s future

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have had more than their fair share of significant injuries this season. Fans are all too familiar with the health struggles of Chicago’s pitching staff. At one point, they had enough arms on the injured list to fill a Major League roster.

On a positive note, though, the Cubs have been able to hang in the thick of the National League playoff race. At 72-53, they are in second place in the NL Central, 5.0 games out of first place. However, they also possess the fourth-best record in the NL and have a five-game lead for the top Wild Card spot.

In other words, despite their injury issues, Chicago is very likely going to the postseason. They will have to get there, though, without Dansby Swanson.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson will be out 4-6 weeks

Over the weekend, it was revealed that Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson suffered an oblique injury. On Monday, after getting imaging done. Chicago learned that it is a grade-two oblique strain. This kind of injury has a recovery timetable of about 4-6 weeks:

Cubs news: Hearing it’s a Grade 2 oblique strain for Dansby Swanson, per a source. Normal timetable is 4-6 weeks. That would have him ready for the postseason.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 17, 2026

This means, of course, that Swanson is going to be out for most of, if not all, the rest of the regular season. That certainly is not the best news.

However, as Jesse Rogers notes, it does give him time to return for the playoffs. While he has struggled at the plate this year, Swanson’s defense at shortstop is still arguably the best in Major League Baseball. If the Cubs are to make a deep postseason run, they will want him on the field.

Swanson is hitting .216/.300/.404 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI this season.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Daniel Palencia cooked in latest rehab outing, nears return to Cubs
• Cubs have the infield depth to survive the Dansby Swanson injury
• Patience for Edward Cabrera is running thin, Craig Counsell discusses pitcher’s future

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Cubs get good news and bad news on Dansby Swanson injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs may currently be on a two-game losing skid after dropping a series to the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field, but their postseason outlook still looks good.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Patience for Cabrera runs thin, Counsell speaks on pitcher’s future

Even with the recent injury of Dansby Swanson and the horrendous outing from returning starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, the Cubs’ chances of making the playoffs still fall in the high-90 percentile according to oddsmakers.

The team currently sits five games below the first place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division, but they are still in possession of the top Wild Card spot in the league, five games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies.

And there’s also some good news to offset some of the recent bad news.

More injured Cubs pitchers are on the mend and expected to be major league-eligible shortly. Hoby Milner is close to finishing his rehab assignment. Shelby Miller will soon be starting his own minor league rehab. Ben Brown and Justin Steele are also expected back before the end of the regular season, in time to add some beef to the playoff pitching staff.

Palencia dominates in latest rehab outing

More News: Chicago Cubs announce two pitcher demotions to accommodate returning Edward Cabrera

And, of course, there’s Daniel Palencia.

The Cubs’ hard-throwing closer was placed on the IL—his second stint on the IL this season—back on June 16 with a right elbow flexor strain. Up until this point, Palencia has only managed to log 16.2 innings with the big league Cubs with a 2.70 ERA and just 3 saves.

However, two brutal rehab outings in the minors, with a beyond-ugly combined ERA of 33.83 in 1.1 innings, had fans and media rightfully concerned over whether the high-leverage righty could get back into the groove this season.

Well, Palencia’s latest rehab appearance on Sunday offered a great big breath of reassurance that the bullpen asset is actually on the right track and will soon be ready for a big league return.

Pitching against the St. Paul Saints, Palencia delivered one shutout inning, allowing one hit, but striking out the side. Best of all, his control was back in check and his velocity saw him sitting at 98.7 mph and topping out at 100 mph.

If one looks at the black-and-white stats on a screen, a 19.31 ERA through three outings is obviously not impressive. But having his performances trending upward is a cause for optimism, as is his boost in speed and control.

What happens when Palencia return?

So, what happens when Palencia gets back to the majors?

There’s no guarantee that he immediately gets reinstated as the team’s closer. As a matter of fact, manager Craig Counsell has held fast to the idea that he’s looking at the best man for a particular job and prefers flexibility when working bullpen options.

Jacob Webb has performed brilliantly as the team’s de facto closer. The trade deadline acquisition of Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels also gives the bullpen a possible late-inning impact arm.

Time—and Palencia’s performance—will tell what happens with Daniel Palencia the rest of this season.

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The Chicago Cubs are coming off a series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, but that was hardly the only setback they suffered this weekend. The Milwaukee Brewers also took three of four from the Los Angeles Dodgers, extending their NL Central lead to five games.

To make matters worse, the Cubs could be without shortstop Dansby Swanson for the remainder of the regular season after he suffered an oblique injury. Swanson, who hasn’t been on the IL since 2024, left the game after a swing and miss in the third inning, will be placed on the injured list, but does have additional testing to due in order to determine the severity.

Replacing Swanson at shortstop Sunday was Nico Hoerner, who shifted over from second base. James Triantos finished Swanson’s at-bat before taking over at second. Losing Swanson long term will be a significant defensive blow, as he currently leads all NL shortstops with 16 Outs Above Average. Fortunately for the Cubs, their infield depth should help them navigate his absence.

The Chicago Cubs have the infield depth to survive Dansby Swanson’s oblique injury

Following the game, Dansby Swanson addressed his injury and expressed confidence in the Cubs’ ability to handle his absence defensively. He told reporters, “I think there’s not really a better group in the world to handle something like this,” pointing to the team’s depth, quality and ability to play multiple positions at a Gold Glove level.

Moving forward, the most likely middle-infield alignment will feature Hoerner at shortstop and rookie Pedro Ramirez at second base. Hoerner was originally drafted as a shortstop and spent the majority of his minor league career at the position. Ramirez, meanwhile, is most comfortable at second base, though the Cubs had previously moved him around in between the infield and outfield because of the offensive production he has provided.

Ultimately, losing Swanson for an extended period of time will not be ideal, but the Cubs infield depth gives them a good chance to weather his absence and keep pace in the NL Central race.

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The Chicago Cubs gave up a lot to get hard-throwing right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

More News: Chicago Cubs announce two pitcher demotions to accommodate returning Edward Cabrera

Packaged in the offseason trade were Chicago’s no. 1 prospect OF Owen Caissie, no. 11 prospect INF Cristian Hernandez, and 19-year-old talent INF Edgardo De Leon.

But, in return, the team was getting the 28-year-old Cabrera, who had front-of-rotation potential and seemed to be turning the corner in his development in 2025 where he topped 137 innings pitched and showed signs of true next-level dominance.

The Cubs were willing to part with three quality prospects for three team-controlled years from a young power pitcher who looked to be maybe one or two small tweaks away from ace material.

Well, 2026 hasn’t gone as planned with the native of the Dominican Republic and Sunday’s horrendous rubber match performance against the St. Louis Cardinals appears to be the straw that broke the camel’s back when it comes to everyone’s patience on Cabrera.

Cabrera comes apart

More News: Chicago Cubs facing a critical Seiya Suzuki dilemma

On the day, Cabrera allowed 7 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in 3.2 innings to bring his season ERA to 5.68 through 15 starts.

But, well, there were excuses.

This was his first big league start since June 23 when he went on the IL with a left hamstring strain. Although he looked dominant in the last start of his minor league rehab assignment, he was bound to have some rust.

Okay.

Then, there was the blister.

Per Cubs beat writer Bruce Levine:

“Cubs Edward Cabrera said a blister was coming on during his outing ,but he didn’t tell Craig Counsell or any of the coaches until he was removed from the game in the 4th inning. He was wearing a band- aid on his finger in the post game media conversation.”

“The blister,” Cabrera told reporters via interpreter after the game, sporting a bandage on his right middle finger. “That’s what affected me in the last inning. I tried to battle through it, but I couldn’t finish the inning.”

Frustration boiling over

From the reactions online, people were torn between ripping him for hiding a blister issue from manager Craig Counsell and not buying into the blister story at all.

Per Aldo Soto of Sports Mockery:

“There have been whispers in Chicago media about how easy Cabrera will look to make excuses, and well, he had another when speaking to reporters on Sunday. The right-hander allowed seven runs on six hits, including a two-run home run in the first inning. He walked three batters, only struck out two, and when asked what didn’t go well against the Cardinals, Cabrera said he was dealing with a blister.”

Per Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib:

“It’s become clear that Cabrera can’t be the starter in a game of consequence for the Cubs.”

Overall, there’s just rampant disappointment and calls for the Cubs to reconsider their starting rotation plans for the rest of the season.

Even Counsell seems to be leaning away from Cabrera as the team pushes towards a postseason run. After Sunday’s game, he refused to commit on whether Cabrera would remain in the rotation.

“We’re going to have to talk about that,” Counsell said.

The last time Counsell talked like that, it was about Jameson Taillon, days before the team decided to DFA him.

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In losing the weekend series to the division rival St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs now find themselves 5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, as they took 3 out of 4 from the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

However, losing ground to the Brewers was the least of their concerns on Sunday: A potential season-changing loss to one of their star players, their prized addition in the off-season, continues to look terrible, and dealing with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slump.

Dansby Swanson’s injury hurts the defense

The first hit came as Shortstop Dansby Swanson injured his oblique after an awkward swing in the bottom of the 3rd.

Chicago Cubs SS Dansby Swanson left the game with an injury after an awkward swing. pic.twitter.com/1jDI1tnjYn

— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2026

In the postgame interview, manager Craig Counsell said he is going on the IL, with an MRI scheduled for Monday. It is the kind of blow that reshapes a team’s identity. 

Without Swanson, Nico Hoerner will move from second and replace Swanson. But the infield defense takes a clear step back as turning double plays becomes a chore. If you watched Saturday’s game, in which the Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez hit three consecutive home runs in his professional debut, Swanson had the day off. They had a hard time turning double plays with Hoerner at short and rookie Pedro Ramirez at second. 

Many Cubs pitchers like to induce ground balls. If the defense is not up to par, they could lose confidence, which could lead to big innings for opposing teams.

Edward Cabrera’s disastrous outing puts him on thin ice

Before the game, the Cubs announced Edward Cabrera was reinstated into the rotation. In doing so, Javier Assad was sent down to AAA Iowa, and David Peterson was moved to the bullpen.

But Cabrera was not only bad, but his performance was also demoralizing. He lost command and looked uncomfortable. After PCA hit a 2-run home run to cut the lead to 3-2 in the 3rd inning, he completely lost the strike zone, issuing two consecutive walks with one out in the 4th inning. Cabrera gave back two runs before he was finally pulled. It was revealed he suffered another blister during the game. But he didn’t tell Counsell or the staff after he was removed. 

How could anyone trust Cabrera moving forward? Can you even trust him to pitch out of the bullpen? Imagine putting Cabrera over Peterson or Assad, who gets sent down. Do you think that’s going to go well inside the locker room?

Counsell now has to manage performance and psychology. He allowed Matthew Boyd to get rocked by Báez on all three home runs before finally pulling him on Saturday. He allowed the same thing to happen on Sunday. Counsell has to have the gumption to pull his starters while the Cubs are still in the game.

The way the Cubs badly misjudged Cabrera this season could have significant ramifications.

PCA struggling again in the second half

Even before hitting a 2-run home run on Sunday, Pete Crow‑Armstrong has been scuffling a bit. He was 0 for 8 in the first two games in this series. And during the 3-game series in Washington, he was only 2 for 15. He recorded 16 strikeouts from August 6 to August 15, and added 3 more strikeouts during Sunday’s game.

It is starting to look eerily similar to his second‑half fade from last season. Counsell can’t let him drown in daily pressure amidst the NL MVP race with Shohei Ohtani. As PCA goes, so will the Cubs. But if he struggles, the rest of the lineup could suffer. Counsell can’t allow that to happen to the point where they have another long losing streak and derail their postseason aspirations.

After a huge trade deadline, Counsell faces immense pressure to elevate the Cubs and make a deep postseason run. Now, the Cubs are about to enter a dangerous stretch with a compromised defense, a shaky rotation, and a young star slumping. Can Counsell keep the team together, or will they wilt under pressure? 

Counsell’s job just got a lot tougher after Sunday.

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It had been a while since Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera pitched in an MLB game, June 23rd to be exact. His return to the mound on Sunday afternoon did not go well, to say the least. Cabrera was charged with seven earned runs in 3.2 innings on six hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. Cubs fans saw the same movie they’ve seen before.

His season ERA now sits at 5.68 with a 5.19 FIP, 7.9 K/9 (career low), and 1.78 HR/9 (career high). His stuff has looked good, but the location and execution of the pitches simply have not been there. That is how Sunday’s and so many other starts can be summed up. Even in the ones he’s “grinded” through. It was also reported that a blister, which has also been a common theme for him, popped up yet again Sunday.

#Cubs Edward Cabrera says he had a right middle finger blister pop up today and that impacted his outing.

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) August 16, 2026

The question is, should he keep starting? Blister or no blister?

What to do about Edward Cabrera this year

Cabrera was acquired from the Marlins this Winter to be the “experienced guy with big stuff” in the rotation. Cabrera has had his ups and downs in his career, but he was a high-ceiling arm who has shown stretches of effectiveness. It was a gamble, and so far it has not paid off.

The thing is, as mentioned before, he has the stuff. There is some serious work to be done to iron out some of the kinks. Being under control, the Cubs could help him find his way, even if not until next season (if there is one). However, in the final stretch of an “all in” season, it’s harder to play around.

The Cubs organization has not been afraid to pull the trigger when things aren’t working. They have rotation options. It’s just a matter of how they want Cabrera to fit on this roster, even if they do remove him from the rotation for someone like David Peterson or Javier Assad. Being a reliever is risky too with his shaky command, unless it’s long relief and/or mop-up duty for the time being.

Regardless, they cannot mess around with Cabrera too much this year. He needs to find it and find it very fast to salvage anything. They are not (and shouldn’t) just going to get rid of him this season, but right now it’s hard to give him the ball every five days based on the season he’s had.

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When the Chicago Cubs acquired four pitchers at the trade deadline, they knew that some tough roster decisions would be forthcoming. Those decisions are starting to be made.

More News: Chicago Cubs facing a critical Seiya Suzuki dilemma

With Edward Cabrera reinstated from the IL after his minor league rehab assignment, some room needed to be made, both in the starting rotation as well as on the major league roster as a whole. Today, the Cubs made their moves.

Peterson sent to the bullpen

More News: Chicago Cubs: Who makes the playoff pitching staff?

According to MLB insider and Cubs beat writer Patrick Mooney, Chicago is moving veteran southpaw to the bullpen, at least temporarily:

“For now at least, the Cubs are moving David Peterson to the bullpen to create a spot in their rotation for Edward Cabrera.”

Peterson has worked the swingman role before, but his demotion is a bit puzzling given just how effective he’s been as a starter since coming over in a trade with the New York Mets on June 25. In eight starts with Chicago, he’s posted a 4.19 ERA, but it should be noted that 10 of 20 earned runs allowed came in one horrible outing against the Cardinals on July 3. Excluding that one bad outing, the 30-year-old southpaw has posted a 2.29 ERA.

It’s quite possible that manager Craig Counsell could just cycle Peterson into the rotation based on opposition matchups. But, for now, he’ll be the lefty Colin Rea in the pen, eating innings and ready to spot start when/if needed.

Assad down to Triple-A

In the corresponding roster move to accommodate the incoming Cabrera, the Cubs announced that right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

The 29-year-old has been a low-key hero of the pitching staff, filling key roles in the bullpen and starting rotation in the face of an unprecedented mass wave of pitching injuries.

Over 21 appearances and 80.1 innings (10 starts, 11 relief appearances), Assad has posted a 3.59 ERA. Over his last two months, though, the versatile pitcher has excelled, delivering a 1.91 ERA in 8 games.

Assad’s demotion is more of a roster flexibility issue than anything else, as he’s one of the few pitchers remaining on the roster with minor league options. The plan is probably to stretch him out as a starter in Iowa in case he’s needed in that capacity on the major league roster. Once rosters expand on September 1, he may be called up once again.

The Cubs are still facing a number of pitching-related roster decisions in the near future, with relievers Hoby Milner and Daniel Palencia nearing the end of their rehab assignments and with Shelby Miller about to start his. The team is also staring down the possibility that Ben Brown, Justin Steele, and Hunter Harvey could also be activated some time in September.

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The Chicago Cubs may currently be on the road to a playoff berth and a possible deep postseason run, but there is a real dilemma waiting for them once the last out of the baseball year is registered.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Who makes the playoff pitching staff?

The team has several core veteran components eligible for free agency at the end of the season and decisions have to be made on who can be retained. Among those Cubs veterans is Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Carson Kelly, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki.

Of all the possible outgoing players, the Suzuki situation has been getting the most attention.

The Japanese star has become a linchpin for the Cubs’ offense, arguably behind only Pete Crow-Armstrong in terms of importance. However, there’s a lot working against the likelihood of a Cubs-Suzuki deal being made.

No excuse for not retaining Suzuki

More News: Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong deserves MVP over Shohei Ohtani, per analyst

First, there’s the major factor of money and the team’s allocation of funds and/or prospect capital.

Per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic:

“The belief is much of Chicago’s investments, either prospect capital or actual money, will go toward pitching. In a weak free-agent class for position players, Suzuki might quickly get priced out of the Cubs’ plans.”

Currently on a 5-year, $85 million contract, it’s sure thing that Suzuki would command a payout considerably higher as the top-of-the-line free agent outfielder in a weak free agent class, alongside Randy Arozarena. Some estimations have him landing a deal in the area of $130-$150 million over 5 years.

After signing 32-year-old third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million deal this past offseason, the Cubs front office can’t make the excuse that signing a 32-year-old position player to a long-term contract is against their internal free agent policy. Suzuki and his people will also be looking at the Bregman deal as a baseline in setting their own asking price.

While defense may have been a previous knock against Suzuki, he’s been very solid this season and is actually ranking among the team leaders in that area right now.

Per Joey Ricotta of On Tap Sports:

“Suzuki has looked noticeably better defensively, and the numbers support it. He enters mid-August tied with Alex Bregman for second on the Cubs with 11 Defensive Runs Saved and tied with Nico Hoerner for third on the team in Fielding Run Value (7). That’s a great turnaround for a player whose glove was once viewed as a liability.”

Money as the only factor?

So, in terms of player value, there’s no real argument against extending or re-signing the right fielder.

The team has a quality batch of outfield prospects in the system, headed by Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley—who are currently three of the Cubs’ top 5 prospects overall. But all three are still at the lower levels of the farm system and at least a couple years away from contributing in the majors.

If the Cubs don’t keep Suzuki, it will be entirely about the money and the belief that they can fill that spot internally until their young assets advance. With Happ also possibly leaving, they will have to count on Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, Kevin Alcantara, and whatever veteran stopgap they can pick up on the market to fill their two corner outfield spots.

But the smart move—at least when it comes to fielding a winning team in 2027/2028—would be to bite the bullet and hold on to Suzuki.

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Saturday afternoon was a game to forget for Matthew Boyd. The Chicago Cubs starter surrendered four home runs, three of which came off the bat of St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez in his MLB debut. Blaze Jordan was the other Cardinals player to take Boyd deep. In the end, Body finished the contest with 5.1 innings pitched and seven earned runs.

For Cardinals rookie Baez, he made history by becoming the first player to hit three home runs in his MLB debut. He crushed the first pitch he saw in the majors for his first homer, connected on a full-count pitch for his second, and launched the second pitch he saw in the sixth inning for his third.

As easy as it is to focus on Baez’s historic performance, there are two important Boyd statistics that Cubs fans should keep in mind amid what was the starter’s second-worst outing of the season.

2 forgotten Matthew Boyd stats Chicago Cubs fans should focus on after Boyd was on the wrong side of history

Fortunately for Cubs fans, Boyd’s rough outing Saturday was only his second blowup start of the season. His other came on Opening Day, when he surrendered six earned runs over just 3.2 innings. Remarkably, before taking the loss against the Cardinals, that was the last time Boyd had been handed a loss. That said, overall, Chicago has gone 11-4 in his starts this season.

Additionally, a four home run allowed game has been out of the ordinary for Boyd since the start of the 2020s as the last time he allowed that many long ball in a contest was in 2019, a year where he gave up 39 all-together. While injuries have limited his availability since 2020, last year in 31 starts he gave up just 19 long balls. After Saturday’s contest his season total this year sits at 13, which is still quite good in today’s game.

While Baez’s historic three-home-run debut understandably is the lasting memory from Saturday’s game, Cubs fans should not lose sight of the bigger picture with Boyd. The veteran starter has been one of Chicago’s most reliable pitchers since joining the organizations. One bad afternoon against a rookie making history does not erase the consistency Boyd has provided all season. If anything, his track record suggests Cubs fans have little reason to be overly concerned about his latest performance.

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In late June, if you were to say that the Chicago Cubs would be dealing with a surplus of pitching heading into the second half of August, you would’ve been laughed out of the room.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong deserves MVP over Shohei Ohtani, per analyst

On June 25, the Cubs made a desperation trade with the New York Mets to acquire veteran David Peterson because they literally were struggling to man even a four-man starting rotation.

Ben Brown, who had been carrying an already stressed and strained rotation, had just been put on the IL, downed by what has become a chronic neck issue. A day earlier, Edward Cabrera was placed on the IL as well, after suffering a left hamstring strain while trying to cover first base on a ground ball. Then there were the struggles of Jameson Taillon, who was getting crushed by opposition hitting, posting a 5.92 ERA through 15 starts.

And all of this was on top of having lost emerging ace Cade Horton to elbow surgery just two starts into the season and the setback of rehabbing former ace Justin Steele.

After an aggressive trade deadline, though, the Cubs managed to restock the rotation with veteran starters Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, while also adding reliever Ryan Zeferjahn and potential swingman Braxton Garrett.

And now with Cabrera on the verge of his return, with Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner not too far behind him, and with Brown telling media that he’s “three, four weeks away” from a return, the Wild Card-topping Cubs are facing the dilemma of who makes the cut for the playoffs. Admittedly, it’s a much better problem to have than what they previously had.

“It’s certainly better than the alternative,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Friday. “Absolutely.”

Projected playoff starting rotation

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At this point, the first three spots in the postseason starting rotation are fairly no-brainer selections: Matthew Boyd, Kevin Gausman, and Clay Holmes. Then, there’s plenty to debate over who becomes starter number four.

One could make a case for Cabrera, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Colin Rea, or Javier Assad getting that last spot. Cabrera has the more electric stuff, but Peterson is a sinker specialist who, when right, is the ideal Cubs pitcher. Imanaga has been this season’s most consistently healthy starter, Rea and Assad, however, have shown themselves to be glue when it comes to keeping the back end of the staff together.

Most likely, Counsell’s choice will probably have to do with matchups, with lefties Peterson and Imanaga likely getting the nod against lefty-dominant lineups. Whatever the case, though, the team will have a lot of long-relief options in the bullpen throughout the postseason.

Projected playoff bullpen

And, speaking of the bullpen, that might make for some even tougher decisions.

Assuming that four of the five from Cabrera, Peterson, Imanaga, Rea, and Assad are used as relief, the Cubs would have just five spots left in the bullpen.

If healthy, Palencia, Milner, and Jacob Webb are shoo-ins. Counsell would also probably choose between Ryan Rolison and Caleb Thielbar as the second southpaw full-time reliever.

And that last spot? That’s the wild card in all of this.

Brown and Steele, if healthy, could be quality additions for a postseason run. Trade deadline acquisition Zeferjahn has the impact arm to make a playoff splash. Shelby Miller and Hunter Harvey could also be healthy enough to come off the IL by then. One also has to consider the arms who’ve helped hold together the bullpen after the waves of injuries, like Trent Thornton and Aaron Civale.

“There’s no givens here—you don’t just step back into your role,” Brown recently told reporters, referring to his role upon return from injury. “This is a really talented team There’s not a lot of spots available on this team. I’ve got to go out there and pitch well to earn my opportunity to pitch in September and in the playoffs.”

The Cubs now have a lot of pitching depth, with some quality veteran arms helping make the case for a deep playoff run. Time will tell if this all pans out.

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Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has seemingly turned the corner in his development and is now a full-fledged elite-level ball player.

More News: How Chicago Cubs coaching brought life to two veteran arms

The talent was always there, of course, but there were just some general rough patches and maturity issues that kept the young star from becoming fully actualized. Now, however, the 24-year-old appears to have become the force he was meant to be.

“PCA” is no longer the wild-swinging dynamo hacking at everything even remotely close to the plate—and sometimes not close to the plate. This 2026 version has almost tripled his walk rate from 2025 and is now getting better cuts at better pitches because of it. The demonstrative displays of frustration after a bad at bat are now a thing of the past—in part because there are fewer bad at bats.

He’s upped his game to such a degree that he’s now being mentioned as a real competitor to Shohei Ohtani for National League MVP.

M-V-Pete?

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Actually, to many, he deserves the nod over Ohtani, who’s won MVP honors in four of the last five seasons (twice with the Angels and twice with the Dodgers) and has been the favorite to get the award again this season. The 32-year-old Japanese star is hard to vote against as an elite level hitter as well as pitcher, although a knee injury has kept him from pitching since early July.

FOX analyst Danny Parkins recently made the case for Crow-Armstrong during a segment on First Things First:

“If the [NL MVP] voting were held today, my vote would go to PCA,” Parkins said. “Ohtani is the best player in baseball. He’s a two-way superstar. The problem for his MVP case this year is he hasn’t pitched since July 3.

“Now, if he returns to the mound soon, pitches effectively and helps the Dodgers secure the top seed in the National League, I reserve the right to change my mind.”

Parkins’ argument makes sense. Stacked against one another, the two players have almost identical offensive stats. The difference being that the banged-up Ohtani is now working as a slowed-down DH while PCA is delivering defensively as a Gold Glove center fielder and stealing bases at a high rate.

A more valuable asset?

There’s also the argument that Crow-Armstrong is, literally, a more valuable asset contributing to the success of his team than Ohtani.

“And then I’ll turn to the ‘V’ in ‘MVP’: value,” Parkins added. “PCA has helped carry the Cubs through a season in which over a dozen pitchers have spent time on the injured list. Meanwhile, Ohtani is playing on a superteam with a payroll that exceeds Chicago’s by over $170 million. All that extra help, and the Cubs just swept the Dodgers last week. They have just two fewer wins than L.A. on the season.”

There’s definitely a case to be made for PCA. But no matter who wins the NL MVP this season, Crow-Armstrong’s growth is undeniable, as is his value to the Cubs.

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To many Chicago Cubs fans delights, the front office completely revamped their big league pitching staff before this year’s August 3 trade deadline. Joining the organization was Kevin Gausman, Ryan Zeferjahn, Clay Holmes, and Braxton Garrett. In order to complete this overhaul, they parted ways with outfielder Brett Bateman, shortstop Ty Southisene, catcher Moises Ballesteros, right-hander Mason McGwire, third baseman Jonathon Long, right-hander Jace Beck, and shortstop Jefferson Rojas.

Among this group, Bateman was one of the players sent to the Toronto Blue Jays for Gausman. At the time of the deal, Bateman had been enjoying a breakout campaign in Triple-A, slashing .312/.430/.421 with nearly as many walks (60) as strikeouts (66). He also had 20 stolen bases to his name and was an established rangy outfielder thanks to his speed.

Since the trade, Bateman has been called up to the majors by the Blue Jays and has enjoyed a great first week in the show.

Former Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Brett Bateman is breaking out in the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays

On Aug. 7, Bateman’s dream of reaching the major leagues became a reality. The 24-year-old collected a hit in two at-bats while drawing two walks in his MLB debut. After going hitless the following day, Bateman has since put together a five-game hitting streak, including three multi-hit performances.

For Toronto, the early returns on acquiring Bateman look promising. Giving him an opportunity in the big leagues was a smart move, especially with the 24-year-old set to become Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason. Given the season he was having in the minors, Bateman was almost certain to draw attention from other teams if left unprotected.

His impending Rule 5 eligibility may have played a role in Chicago’s decision to move on from him, but with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both set to become free agents this winter, there could have been a path for Bateman to eventually reach the Cubs’ big league roster. Now, the hope for Chicago is that the front office’s decision to prioritize pitching and make a push to win in 2026 pays off this postseason, rather than leaving the club to regret sacrificing potential pieces for 2027.

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Cubs fans roared at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon when Seiya Suzuki hit a go-ahead three-run homer against the Cardinals. It was his 21st homer of the season and 108th in the Majors. The clutch blast had plenty of people expressing their desire to extend the 31-year old outfilder/DH, and for good reason.

HIGH. DEEP. GONE. pic.twitter.com/LseU4b8oF2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 14, 2026

Suzuki has been a Cub since 2022, when he signed a five-year deal out of Japan. His 108 homers go along with a career .269/.349/.475 slash with an .824 OPS and 369 RBI in 637 games. He is the epitome of a “very good” ballplayer who sits just outside the (subjective) threshold of being a bona fide star.

Evaluating Suzuki’s offensive value

To say he’s not quite a star is not a knock by any means. Posting an .800+ OPS, 127+ wRC+, and 20+ homers every season for the past four years is incredibly valuable. It’s the type of bat a team would want to keep around. He stacks up well among some other really good ballplayers.

Since 2023 (heading into Friday’s action), Suzuki has ranked the top 25 in both OPS (21st highest) and wRC+ (tied for 17th highest) among all qualified players. Among some really good company, though obviously not at the levels of Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Yordan Alvarez, or Bryce Harper. He’s more along the lines of Byron Buxton, Rafael Devers, Jose Ramirez, and Max Muncy in terms of overall offensive value (based on wRC+) over the past 3-4 years. Not shabby at all.

Even so, Suzuki arguably does not get the accolades as previously mentioned. Despite his really good numbers, he has yet to make an All Star team. He was clearly snubbed last season. It’s somewhat like Kyle Hendricks was as a pitcher – not the biggest name or flashiest guy, but someone who was quietly darn good at his craft.

Suzuki’s offensive value is all but stamped

Coming into the league, it was a mystery how well his skills would translate to the Majors. After 4.5 seasons, he’s established what he is. It feels safe to say he has at least a few more years of 20+ homers, .800 OPS, and a 127-135 wRC+ in him. He’s been consistently doing it since 2023; it’s not like this is based on one or two seasons.

Will he ever be in the Super Star tier? No. And that’s okay, because he’s really good as is. There are very few players in a generation that can hit like Ohtani, Judge, or Soto. Suzuki’s bat will always have its kinks and odd, sizeable slump stretches where the struggles are very ugly and baffling. He always works out of them, though.

The Cubs should bring him back. He has such good value and should be a Cub for the rest of his prime years. His improved defense this year can allow him to be trusted in right going forward, while also DHing when needed. It won’t be an albatross deal like Soto’s or Ohtani’s. Get it done.

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The Chicago Cubs pitching staff has been besieged with injury and misfortune all throughout the season. But it’s a testament to the true grit of the team and to the coaching staff behind them that we’re not telling a tale of disaster and “what ‘til next year” right now.

More News: Chicago Cubs no. 1 draft pick is, finally, killing it

The coaches have been the unsung heroes of this team—and there are two specific examples on the pitching staff of where that steady leadership hand has paid dividends.

Jacob Webb and David Peterson came to the team under very different circumstances, but both have excelled as Cubs in their respective roles.

Jacob Webb steps up

More News: Chicago Cubs weigh unconventional options for last bullpen spot—including Cabrera, Steele, Wiggins

The 32-year-old Webb was picked up on a free agent contract that covers this year for $1.5 million, with a $2.5 million club option for 2027.

Acquired to be a solid middle relief roster fill, he’s stepped into the high-leverage late-inning role after a mass wave of injuries crippled the bullpen. He’s been lights out in that role, posting a 2.38 ERA through 53 innings, and is crediting Cubs coaching with helping add to his pitch arsenal.

“They’re very good at what they do with pitch grips, pitch design, all that stuff,” Webb told MLB.com. “So they were like, ‘Let’s transition to the curveball and try to work on a bullet slider.’ And it happened quick — real quick.”

“Having the trust from the manager is amazing, and obviously the team, too,” Webb added. “I feel like I was always kind of built for this role and never really had the bigger opportunities to kind of fill that role. For me, it’s just been however I can help the team, whatever that may be. But, it’s definitely awesome being able to step up.”

David Peterson’s revitalized sinker

Meanwhile, Peterson, who languished with the New York Mets in a swingman role, has become a steady starting rotation presence since being acquired via trade on June 25. Aside from one awful outing, the 30-year-old veteran has been rock-solid with a 2.29 ERA in seven starts.

The secret with Peterson was in getting his sinker locked in and letting the Cubs’ stellar infield defense handle the rest.

“Our goal when we got him was to get the sinker shape dialed in,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told The Athletic. “He’s got a lot of versatility in the spin efficiency and the shape of that pitch because of some mechanical things that have been going on with the delivery. He’s very long-limbed; it’s hard for him to sync all that up at times…So the delivery timing is crucial for him,” Hottovy said. “If he’s not on time, it’ll be very spinny.”

Obviously, it worked. Best of all for the Cubs, he regained his form right in the crucial period between the end of June and the trade deadline when the rotation was especially stressed from the loss of Edward Cabrera and the inefficiency of Jameson Taillon.

What both Webb and Peterson have in common is that they’re now operating at a higher level than they’ve seen, arguably, at any point of their careers. And Cubs coaching helped nurture those improvements.

“That’s what’s so great about pitching,” manager Craig Counsell told MLB.com. “You don’t have to stop, like, ‘This is who I am and I can’t change and I can’t improve.’ Pitchers have, really, that big ability to add something, to do something a little better, find a new grip, find a new way to use their stuff to mix it together.”

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The Chicago Cubs have cut into the Milwaukee Brewers’ NL Central lead, trailing by just four games going into the weekend series against St. Louis. With Milwaukee out west to face the Dodgers, the hope is that the Cubs can make up even more ground.

Chicago could get some reinforcements as they look to make their postseason push and it will come in a much-needed area. The Cubs are set to activate pitcher Edward Cabrera from the IL this weekend as he’s set to officially return. Cabrera hasn’t pitched sine June when he was hurt in a start in New York against the Mets.

He’s one of several pitchers to hit the IL for the Cubs this season, which has been an issue.

Edward Cabrera to make start on Sunday vs. Cardinals

Ahead of the series opener on Friday against St. Louis, manager Craig Counsell revealed that Cabrera will return and make his first start on Sunday. Shota Imanaga was previously scheduled to start Sunday’s game. However, he will be moved back to Monday as he will get the start in the opener of the Crosstown Series against the Chicago White Sox.

Edward Cabrera will be activated off the injured list to start Sunday against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) August 14, 2026

The return of Cabrera to the rotation also means the Cubs will have to move someone out of it. Counsell plans to go with a five man rotation moving forward. And with no official announcement yet, it’s expected that David Peterson will be the odd man out.

The Cubs will also have a roster decision to make when Cabrera is activated.

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The Chicago Cubs are finally seeing some significant high-end results from their 2025 first round draft pick Ethan Conrad.

More News: Chicago Cubs weigh unconventional options for last bullpen spot—including Cabrera, Steele, Wiggins

Actually, the 22-year-old spent almost a full year on the shelf before he even got a chance to play ball in the Cubs organization. He was rehabbing from a torn labrum and a dislocation in his throwing shoulder at the time of the draft and then suffered a lower back injury that kept him from playing until June of this year.

Many felt that the young talent would’ve gone higher than the 17th overall pick if it hadn’t been for his shoulder injury at the time. The Cubs had previously earmarked him as a Top 10 pick and were eager to snatch him up when he was still available as their turn to select came. It was a calculated gamble based on his tremendous offensive upside.

After a quick 5-game stint in rookie ball this season, where he crushed opposition pitching, he was then promoted to Low-A Myrtle Beach, where he promptly fell into a funk, hitting .164 in his first month at that new level.

Ethan Conrad is on fire

More News: Alex Bregman has come alive for the Chicago Cubs—at the perfect time

But Conrad has now come alive and is showing the world what the Cubs organization—and pretty much everyone else—saw in his healthy self.

Per Carson Wolf of The Wrigley Wire:

“Ethan Conrad is playing out of his mind.

He is batting .378 with 6 XBH over his last 7 games.”

On the season, between rookie league and Myrtle Beach, Conrad is hitting .262 with 5 home runs and 23 RBIs in 135 plate appearances, with much of his high-impact production coming in this recent tear of his.

At the time of his drafting, Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz was high on Conrad and forecast what he’s showcasing now.

“We felt he’s somebody that, had he played out the entire season, would have been considered in the top 10…A pretty exceptional value in terms of getting him at 17.”

He’s somebody that can turn a double into a triple with his speed, and I think he’s somebody that is gonna be able to put pressure on the defense in a number of different ways. His decision-making, his ability to make contact, his ability to hit for damage—all three of those pillars are there, and we think that he’s just getting better across the board.”

Crunching the numbers

Cory Sparks of North Side Baseball crunched the numbers from his first thirty games of pro ball and came up with some noteworthy early observations.

“For one, he’s jumping on pitches in the zone. Not only does Conrad swing at 75.1% of pitches thrown in the zone (89th percentile), but he’s only whiffing 16.2 percent of the time (92nd percentile). MLB Pipeline describes him as an aggressive hitter who can make up for it with remarkable hand-eye coordination, and so far that has translated to the Low-A level.

The Cubs’ rising star also doesn’t strike out a ton, just 20.8 percent of the time. The more he can put the ball in play, the easier it’ll be to justify an attack-oriented approach.”

MLB Pipeline estimates that he’ll make his big league arrival in 2028. which may be a bit optimistic. But, still, with outfield standouts Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley also advancing in the system and pegged for a 2028 Chicago arrival, the Cubs’ outfield future looks bright.

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The Chicago Cubs have worked themselves into an excellent spot after this latest extended winning streak. They are now 6.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres, owning the top Wild Card spot in the National League.

More News: Alex Bregman has come alive for the Chicago Cubs—at the perfect time

As of Wednesday evening, they’ve also moved to just 3 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division after a 16-8 run since the All-Star break and a 9-2 record over their last eleven games.

So, with all that success, thoughts of the postseason—and the run to the postseason—are obviously at the forefront of many baseball minds.

One of the more intriguing situations facing Chicago has to do with their bullpen.

Bullpen favorites are rehabbing

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw may be running out of time for 2026 return

The team has a lot of horses coming back to the figurative stable this month and the next and that creates a good degree of uncertainty when it comes to the last one or two bullpen spots. It also gives them some interesting options for September 1 and beyond when rosters expand and there’s one more space open for a pitcher.

Hoby Milner is working through a rehab assignment in Iowa and could be back in the big league bullpen shortly. Closer Daniel Palencia is also in a Triple-A rehab stint, but struggling with control. Still, the hope is that he’ll be back in Chicago shortly as well.

Then, things get more theoretical and, arguably, more interesting as well.

Options galore

A recent report says that the returning Edward Cabrera will be heading into a late-inning relief role rather than back into the bullpen upon his return from a minor league rehab assignment.

Shelby Miller, who was signed to a 2-year deal in the offseason with the understanding that he’d spend the first year of the contract rehabbing from last Fall’s elbow surgery, is way ahead of scheduled and also having some rehab outings. He’s now expected to be ready for a big league return sometime in September.

Justin Steele suffered a setback in his own recovery from elbow surgery last year and has been scratched from the possibility of a return to the rotation this season. However, the possibility of him being used from the bullpen has been floated out to the public several times already. He’s currently throwing bullpen sessions

Ben Brown was having a breakthrough year up until his recurring neck problem popped up and forced him on the shelf. He’s also throwing bullpen sessions right now and is reportedly pain-free. A September return in a limited bullpen role is now a distinct possibility.

The oft-injured Hunter Harvey, who was signed to a one-year, $6 million contract in the offseason is in a throwing program at the Cubs’ camp in Arizona and could be available for a September return.

Then, maybe most intriguing of all, is the team’s top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins. The 24-year-old has struggled with injury and inconsistency all season, but there are some reports that the team may explore using him in a short relief role, at least temporarily. In Tuesday’s Field of Dreams game, he made a one-inning relief appearance for the Iowa Cubs and looked way better and more in control than he has as a starter this season.

All in all, the Cubs have lots of options, but, as of right now, no absolute urgency to get any of these pitchers into a prominent spot. That’s a pretty good position to be in.

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The Chicago Cubs went out and got the third baseman of their dreams this past offseason when they signed three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw may be running out of time for 2026 return

Right now, he’s performing above and beyond expectations in all areas of his game and seeming to be worth every penny spent on him. Last night in Washington, he had a career game against the Nationals, going 3-for-3 with 3 home runs, 2 walks, and 7 RBIs.

Over the first half of the season, though, many fans expressed some extreme buyer’s remorse when it came to the 32-year-old acquisition.

Headed into the All-Star break, Bregman was slashing .241/.336/.359 with just 9 home runs and an OPS of .696—and that was following a big 4-RBI, one home run, 3-for-5 game the day before the break.

Bregman on fire

More News: Chicago Cubs may already have their Happ, Suzuki replacement in mind, per insider

Since the mid-season rest, though, the third baseman has been on fire. Overall, in the 24 games since then, he’s slashing .313/.387/.606 with 7 home runs and a .994 OPS. The numbers have been absolutely ridiculous when you focus in more closely. Just this last week, he’s hitting .440 with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs.

But Wednesday’s game was the highlight of this late-season run.

“(Bregman) definitely drove the bus today…you can’t fake it through 162 games…it’s a credit to how he works every single day,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “Just relentless with his search to be himself and to be the best version of himself. He will never give you an inch on that.”

Bregman’s turnaround wasn’t some random flipping of a switch, though. As is usually the case with the career perfectionist, the reawakening came after some long hours studying video of his swing from archives dating back to his Double-A days, most recently with Ben Martin, the Cubs’ major league development assistant.

Hard work, dedication, and lots of video

“We went through the archives for this, from way back in the day, to look at all the changes of how I’ve kind of loaded throughout my career,” Bregman told media. “We were watching Double-A Corpus Christi video two nights ago in my room, 1 o’clock, Ben and I.”

Even when things were at their worst and he was starting to get buried under frustrations from failed expectations, Bregman contributed with his glove and with his clubhouse leadership, never doubting his ability to turn things around at the plate.

“You’ve just got to keep going,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “You’ve got to figure out what’s going on and address it. I feel like the last month or so has been a step in the right direction, but really the last two days have been a real step in the right direction.”

Bregman is getting hot at the perfect time of the season for the Cubs, too. The playoffs are not too far off.

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The Chicago Cubs are making a push for the NL Central, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by four games going into Wednesday’s games. Chicago is 8-2 in their last 10 games which includes a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

With Chicago holding a playoff spot at the trade deadline, the front office went out and made a few moves. Most of it focused on the pitching side, the Cubs were able to acquire another outfielder in the deal with the New York Mets. In addition to getting Clay Holmes, Chicago also got Tyrone Taylor in the deal, adding a fielder and a bat.

But after acquiring Taylor, it means outfielder Ian Happ is likely going to lose bats and sit on the bench against lefties. Happ talked about that on a recent interview with 104.3 The Score.

Ian Happ is fine losing at bats to a new teammate

Taylor is better against lefties this season than Happ has been, allowing Craig Counsell to turn to him more. And Happ has no problem with that as he stated in the interview.

“I’m happy to have Tyrone here. He’s a great player who’s been around a long time and does a lot of things well. So for me, this year I haven’t been great against lefties. I’ll get some opportunities and get it right. Obviously, as a competitor you want to be in there as much as you possibly can. But for us and this group, it’s about winning as many ballgames as we can and however the coaching staff feels we can do that best.”

Ian Happ on sitting more often after the Cubs' addition of Tyrone Taylor:

"I'm happy to have Tyrone here. He's a great player who's been around a long time and does a lot of things well. So for me, this year I haven't been great against lefties. I'll get some opportunities and… pic.twitter.com/5es7z4Iqid

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) August 12, 2026

There’s been some criticism surrounding Happ and his play. But him being a good teammate is something that has always been a plus for him. Hopefully this works out for both players and the Cubs can keep rolling.

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The Chicago Cubs are playing some of their best baseball of the season right now and have cut into the Milwaukee Brewers lead in the NL Central. Going into Wednesday’s game in Washington, the Cubs are just four games back of the Brewers and are 8-2 in the past 10 games.

Chicago has done it with a combination of good pitching and good hitting, sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers last week and then taking a weekend series in Kansas City. As we hit the stretch run here in August, the Cubs could be getting some much-needed help as well.

It’s no secret that the Cubs have been hit hard with injuries, specifically pitching. However, they are close to getting some big arms back.

Edward Cabrera pushes for a return to Chicago Cubs

One of the Cubs’ big offseason acquisitions was landing Edward Cabrera via a trade with the Miami Marlins. Cabrera was pitching well before he got hurt but now he’s close to a return.

Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune noted that Cabrera and reliever Daniel Palencia were both in Double-A Knoxville on Wednesday. They both will be evaluated following their rehab pitching appearances in terms of when they can return.

With RHP Edward Cabrera coming off 3rd rehab outing last night (5 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 7 K) — the minimum Cubs wanted — Craig Counsell said "we're getting to a decision point there, but no updated plan as of yet" on whether Cabrera will come off the IL vs. make another rehab start.

— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) August 12, 2026

Cabrera was really good in Knoxville, throwing five innings of no-hit baseball and striking out seven batters in the process:

Edward Cabrera threw 5 innings of no-hit baseball in his rehab start in Knoxville tonight 5 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 1 BB | 7 Ks pic.twitter.com/QQYAisXqHM

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 12, 2026

This is Cabrera’s third rehab start and he’s certainly making a push to return to the starting rotation.

As for Palencia, it was a rougher outing. He pitch just 2/3 of an inning, allowing 0 hits, three walks, and four earned runs while striking out just one batter. He threw 24 total pitches in the game. It’s not exactly an encouraging stat line for Palencia and may indicate he needs more time.

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The Chicago Cubs had big plans for Matt Shaw—even after their initial big plans for him were put aside this offseason.

More News: Chicago Cubs may already have their Happ, Suzuki replacement in mind, per insider

Signing three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract over the winter pushed Shaw to a super-sub utility role, but it didn’t scrub the 2023 no.1 draft pick from the team’s long-term plans.

Despite two stints on the IL this season, the 24-year-old had spent time at second base, third base, first base, and at all three outfield positions—and he performed solidly everywhere, while also solidifying his offensive game.

Shaw offers injury update

More News: Chicago Cubs prospects complicating free agent decisions on veterans

This latest time on the shelf, however, has been especially concerning. The wrist injury that seemed relatively minor at the time it was first announced, has turned into an ongoing issue that has kept the young talent from properly swinging a bat since late June.

Shaw recently talked to the Chicago Sun-Times and offered up a bit of optimism when it comes to his recovery.

“We’ve gotten to the point where I can swing almost full effort with no pain, or a little pain,” Shaw said. “If I can get to the point where I can swing and miss or take a funky swing, things like that, with no pain, if I can do that — or at least like a 1 or 2, low-level pain — that’s definitely the marker to be like, ‘OK, ready to go.’”

Reality check

But we ARE approaching mid-August and, as Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation has written, time is running out for his healthy return:

“If he’s not even able to swing a bat at full speed yet, we are still a loooooong way away from getting him back in the starting lineup. He’ll have to prove he can (1) swing at full speed, (2) get in the cages to actually make contact and test how that feels, (3) take live BP, (4) go out on a rehab assignment, (5) get his timing back, (6) come back up to the big leagues and re-establish himself against the best talent on Earth, when he’d barely established himself in the first place.”

As of their latest August 7 update, MLB.com has Shaw’s comeback slated as “weeks away.” At this point, there aren’t many weeks left in the season.

In the meantime, Shaw is looking in on the current team in awe, seemingly chomping at the bit to get back and be a part of it.

“You look at this team, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is a really good team,’” Shaw said.

“I’m pumped to get back out there and be helping any way I can. It’s been a great experience this year being around the boys. It’s obviously stunk a little bit being hurt, but it is what it is and we’ll be back and we’ll be rolling.”

The question right now is whether Shaw will be “rolling” this season or have to target 2027 for his actual return.

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The Chicago Cubs are staring down the possibility of losing their two corner outfielders—Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki—to free agency this offseason.

More News: Chicago Cubs prospects complicating free agent decisions on veterans

The losses would impact in different ways. Happ would be missed because of his Gold Glove-level defense in left field and his veteran leadership as the longest tenured Cub. Right fielder Suzuki’s loss, meanwhile, would be felt in the area of offense, where his production has been an engine motoring the team since signing on in 2022.

It’s possible that the team could re-sign one of their corner outfielders, but highly unlikely that they’d retain both.

The good news for the Cubs is that they may already have their outfield solution on the roster.

Cubs eyeing Ramirez as Happ, Suzuki replacement?

More News: Chicago Cubs trade deadline haul could’ve looked significantly different, per reports

Pedro Ramirez has exceeded expectations in his first major league run since being called up in late May as a replacement for the injured Matt Shaw.

The 22-year-old is currently slashing .295/.350/.438 with 2 home runs and 15 RBIs in 124 plate appearances. He’s also excelled in the field, where’s played third base, second base and had brief cameo appearances at first base and left field.

It’s the left field part that has fans and analysts wondering aloud whether he could slide into the picture if/when the Cubs loss Happ and Suzuki. Apparently, even the team itself is eyeing that possibility.

Per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic:

“The Cubs have been so impressed with Ramírez that they’re already starting to wonder how he fits into their future. With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki heading into free agency this winter, the Cubs are getting comfortable with the idea of giving Ramírez an everyday role in a corner outfield spot.”

When asked about that possibility, Ramirez played things the right way and deferred to an ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team’ stance.

“I don’t know what the plans are for that position,” Ramirez said via interpreter. “What I do know is I feel like I can take on whatever role is needed. Whatever it is they need, I can help and I’ll do my absolute best.”

Big value in Pedro Ramirez

There was talk that the young talent would be moved by the Cubs at the trade deadline as the team searched for pitching to fortify their playoff-bound roster. Obviously, though, Chicago saw Ramirez’s on-field value as greater than his trade bait value.

“I’m really thankful to still be part of this team,” he declared. “I didn’t think much about (the trade deadline) because I don’t have any say in that situation. I was just focusing on my game and being able to do the job that’s expected of me out there.”

The Cubs have been high on Ramirez since they got their extended first-hand look at him playing alongside major league-level talent. The patient, disciplined switch-hitting speedster with the solid bat and top-notch glove was there back then and he brought those attributes up with him to the bigs.

Now, apparently, the Cubs are looking for ways to not only keep him on the big league team, but to also give him a greater role.

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The Chicago Cubs have spent the last several years building a roster capable of competing now without completely emptying the farm system. After an aggressive 2026 trade deadline, that balancing act has become even more interesting.

Several recognizable prospects were moved, but Chicago also held onto a handful of young players who could soon make the front office’s 2027 roster decisions considerably more complicated.

Some are closer to Wrigley Field than others. One could realistically compete for an Opening Day job next spring, while two others would need to move through the system faster than expected. But prospects rarely follow a perfectly predictable schedule, and a breakout season can change organizational plans quickly.

Here are three Cubs prospects who could push their way into the conversation for 2027.

1. Owen Ayers

No player in the system has made a stronger case for a major league opportunity than Owen Ayers.

A 19th-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Ayers has gone from an intriguing organizational catcher to one of Chicago’s most important prospects. His rise through High-A, Double-A and Triple-A in 2026 has been difficult to ignore, particularly because his offensive production has developed alongside the defensive tools needed to remain behind the plate.

That matters because the Cubs could have an opening at catcher sooner than originally expected.

Chicago moved Moisés Ballesteros at the trade deadline, while veteran Carson Kelly is headed toward free agency after the season. Miguel Amaya remains part of the picture, but the Cubs suddenly have a much clearer path for Ayers to compete for major league playing time.

ChiCitySports recently examined how the team’s prospect depth could influence upcoming decisions on veteran players, including the potential consequences at catcher and in the outfield, in its look at how Cubs prospects are complicating the team’s free-agent decisions.

Ayers doesn’t necessarily need to arrive as an immediate everyday starter. Even earning a timeshare behind the plate would represent a significant step. If he carries his Triple-A momentum into spring training, the Cubs may have little reason to keep him in Iowa for long.

2. Kane Kepley

If there is a prospect who could move faster than his expected timetable, Kane Kepley is worth watching.

Kepley entered professional baseball with a reputation for making consistent contact and controlling the strike zone. Those traits tend to translate well as hitters climb the minor league ladder, especially when paired with enough speed and defensive versatility to create multiple paths to playing time.

The bigger question is timing.

Kepley is still younger and less experienced than Ayers, so expecting him to simply walk into the Cubs’ Opening Day lineup in 2027 would be aggressive. But an impressive finish to 2026 followed by another strong spring could accelerate the conversation.

Chicago’s outfield situation also gives him something every prospect needs: opportunity.

Veteran contracts and free agency could reshape the corner-outfield picture, and the Cubs may prefer to keep payroll flexibility rather than immediately fill every opening with another expensive veteran. Kepley doesn’t need to become a star overnight. He simply needs to show that his approach at the plate can survive against better pitching.

Prospect watching has become a year-round habit for many baseball fans. During off-days or stretches without live games, supporters often move from minor league updates and fantasy baseball to other forms of online entertainment, including comparisons of top casino sites. It is another example of how the modern fan experience now extends well beyond the nine innings on television.

For Kepley, however, the most important months will be spent proving that his bat is ready to move quickly.

3. Josiah Hartshorn

The most ambitious name on this list is also arguably the most exciting.

Josiah Hartshorn has emerged as one of the premier talents in Chicago’s system, even though his current development path points more naturally toward 2028.

That doesn’t mean 2027 is impossible.

Hartshorn offers the type of offensive upside that can force organizations to reconsider carefully planned timelines. A player who consistently produces against older competition usually doesn’t stay at one minor league level simply because of a preseason ETA.

The challenge is obvious: Hartshorn still has developmental ground to cover. Reaching the majors in 2027 would require a fast climb through the upper minors and continued success as the quality of pitching improves.

But this is exactly why prospect timelines should be treated as estimates rather than deadlines.

If Hartshorn continues developing into a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat, the Cubs won’t keep him in the minors simply to follow a calendar. A strong enough bat has a way of creating its own opportunity.

The Cubs May Have More Options Than Expected

Ayers is clearly the closest of the three. Kepley represents the intriguing fast-track possibility, while Hartshorn would require the biggest leap.

Together, though, they illustrate why prospect development could have such a large influence on Chicago’s next offseason.

The Cubs will have opportunities to spend money and reshape the roster through trades, but they don’t necessarily have to purchase a veteran solution for every opening. Sometimes the best answer is already moving through the farm system.

There is also plenty of downtime between meaningful baseball moments, especially during the offseason. When there are fewer games, roster moves or prospect updates to follow, some fans naturally look for other forms of online entertainment. That can include browsing a top casino sites list while waiting for spring training or the next wave of Cubs news.

For Chicago, the larger question is how patient the organization will be with its young talent. A front office trying to win immediately may prefer proven veterans, but prospects who perform well enough can quickly make that choice difficult.

By the time the 2027 season arrives, at least one of these names could be much closer to Wrigley Field than anyone expected.

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The Chicago Cubs completely revamped their pitching staff ahead of this year’s Aug. 3 trade deadline. While the additions of Kevin Gausman, Ryan Zeferjahn, Braxton Garrett, and Clay Holmes were much-needed reinforcements, the ripple effects of some of the players they moved may have also revealed their plans behind the plate for 2027.

The Cubs parted ways with several notable prospects last week, including outfielder Brett Bateman, shortstop Ty Southisene, catcher Moises Ballesteros, right-hander Mason McGwire, third baseman Jonathon Long, right-hander Jace Beck and shortstop Jefferson Rojas.

Among that group, Ballesteros entered the season with significant expectations after a strong rookie campaign. However, he had struggled to replicate that success this year, posting a .668 OPS and 91 OPS+ at the time of the trade.

With Ballesteros no longer part of Chicago’s long-term plans, the Cubs currently have Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly as their catchers on the 40-man roster, with Kelly set to become a free agent after the season. That should create an opening behind the plate in 2027, and the Cubs may ultimately turn to rapidly rising catching prospect Owen Ayers, whose name was heavily involved in trade rumors thanks to his breakout season.

Owen Ayers has a golden opportunity to be a part of the Chicago Cubs long term plans at catcher

Ayers, a former 19th round draft pick in 2024, has ascended to being the Cubs No.2 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The switch hitting catcher has broken out with 23 home runs this year across three levels: High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. His season slash line is currently sitting at an impressive .313/.424/.590 across 95 games.

Outside of Ayers, the Cubs’ next-highest-ranked catching prospect is Ariel Armas, who was selected 14 rounds ahead of Ayers in the 2024 MLB Draft. However, Armas, currently ranked as the organization’s No. 16 prospect, remains in Double-A and does not appear to be on the verge of becoming a 40-man roster addition this offseason.

With Ballesteros now out of the picture and Kelly potentially departing in free agency, the Cubs will be in need of an option alongside Amaya remains in 2027. That is where Ayers could have a golden opportunity. His breakout season has put him on the radar and should give him a chance to compete for a major league role sooner next season.

The trade deadline may have been about adding pitching reinforcements, but Chicago also quietly held onto a catcher who may be a part of their long term plans, starting as soon as next season.

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Former Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel keeps hanging on. This past weekend, the 38-year-old righty signed with the Kansas City Royals. Kimbrel was a Cub from 2019, when they signed him to a three-year deal mid-season, through the 2021 trade deadline, when he was dealt to the White Sox in the infamous Nick Madrigal deal.

Craig Kimbrel is signing with Royals. MLB deal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 9, 2026

Kimbrel is joining his 12th MLB franchise in his career, and his third this season. He was previously with the Rays and Mets this year. One might remember when the Cubs walked off Kimbrel as a Met earlier in April to complete a three-game sweep at Wrigley. Between the Rays and Mets, he has a 4.81 ERA, 1.3 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 (career low), and no saves.

Craig Kimbrel will not let go easily

It’s hard to believe Kimbrel will have pitched with eight different teams since leaving the North Side once he throws for Kansas City. Since 2021, he had one good season in 2023 with the Phillies. Otherwise, he’s been nowhere near close to his prime and has just bounced around. His Cubs tenure transitioned him from his elite era to his washed era.

From 2010-2018, he posted a 1.91 ERA, 1.96 FIP, 0.92 WHIP, and 868 strikeouts, and recorded 333 saves in 542 appearances. He wasn’t just good; he was historically great. Since joining the Cubs in 2019, he’s pitched to a 3.93 ERA, 3.85 FIP, and 1.2 WHIP, with 446 strikeouts and 107 saves in 342 appearances. His career ERA jumped from 1.91 to 2.67 over the past eight seasons. This includes the real rough first go on the North Side with the 6.53 ERA in 23 appearances in 2019.

Kimbrel has 440 career saves heading into Monday, which is fifth all-time. He’s still on track to be a Hall of Famer with 400+ saves and still very good overall numbers. With that said, these past few years have beaten up his stats a bit. His legacy should still be a good one, but no doubt it would be a bit different had he retired a few years ago.

At some point, he’s got to let it go, right? Yet he keeps finding jobs.

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The Chicago Cubs were bold in their trade deadline moves this year, trading no. 2 prospect Jefferson Rojas and top first base prospect Jonathon Long, as well as a number of other Top 30 assets in the organization.

More News: Chicago Cubs trade deadline haul could’ve looked significantly different, per reports

Some young talents, however, were clearly off-limits. And those off-limits prospects could complicate things when it comes to the front office’s decisions on current free agent-eligible major leaguers.

Of the Top 5 prospects in the organization, according to the updated MLB.com rankings, three are outfielders and one is a catcher. At the same time, the big league Cubs are facing a situation where two veteran outfielders and a veteran catcher are heading into free agency at the end of this season.

Chicago has big decisions to make when it comes to corner outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki and catcher Carson Kelly. All three are 30-something and will be looking for big-money multi-year contracts. But just 1-3 years away, however, are top-notch talent who are expected to fill those roster spots nicely.

Owen Ayers making Carson Kelly expendable?

More News: Chicago Cubs defense is twice as good as next best defense

Owen Ayers, the team’s 19th round draft pick in 2024, has shot through the Cubs organization so quickly that there’s already talk he could be brought up to the majors when rosters expand on September 1.

It was well-reported that teams had expressed plenty of interest in the 25-year-old at the trade deadline as an asset with a tremendous upside and a history of success everywhere he’s played.

“I’m super grateful I’m still here,” Ayers told Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, after the MLB trade deadline came and went. “I love this organization. This is where I want to play. And I want to play at Wrigley Field, so I’m very happy to still be here.”

Ayers has excelled on both defense and offense and will still need some work on the finer points of pitch calling and handling a staff, but there is definite big league potential in him.

His rise could make Carson Kelly expendable, even though Kelly still brings more to the table than the less experienced Ayers.

Outfield of the future vs. Outfield right now

Meanwhile, the Cubs have a trio of top-tier outfield prospects who are pegged for Wrigley Field in 2028—No. 1 Josiah Hartshorn, No. 3 Ethan Conrad, and No. 4 Kane Kepley. The three are in the lower tiers of the farm system, but they’re all displaying advanced ability and should move up quickly. The 19-year-old Hartshorn, especially, has showcased some elite-tier talent that has seemingly surprised even the Cubs’ own scouts.

Would the Cubs be willing to re-sign Happ and/or Suzuki to a five-year, $95 million+ deal if they know that these young stars could be major-league ready in two years (or less)? Likely, not.

The question, though, is what the Cubs would do next season with holes to fill in left field, right field, and at catcher while waiting on their minor league talent to develop. Would this be where Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez step into corner outfield roles and Miguel Amaya takes the full starting catcher spot?

Having good, young talent on the rise is a nice problem to have. But, in this case, the timing of the rise versus the veterans on the outs may make for some tough decisions this offseason.

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The Chicago Cubs made some waves at this year’s MLB trade deadline and, most important, they made the moves necessary to fortify their pitching staff for a deep postseason run.

More News: Chicago Cubs defense is twice as good as next best defense

They kicked things off with the acquisition of veteran starter Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays the weekend before the August 3 deadline. Then, on the cutoff day, they traded for starter Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets, reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels, and southpaw pitcher Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins.

It was acknowledged by analysts as a very good haul, but things may have been significantly different after the deadline if things had played out as they were initially intended.

Soriano, a Cub; Holmes, a Diamondback?

More News: Chicago Cubs starting rotation: From wrecked to elite

Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently reported that groundball specialist Holmes was initially supposed to be traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks:

“The Chicago Cubs can thank the New York Mets’ medical department for acquiring Clay Holmes. Holmes was on his way to the Arizona Diamondbacks until the Mets flagged the medical reports of one of their prospects, and pivoted to the Cubs.”

Maybe the Cubs would’ve still pursued a trade for Tyrone Taylor, but that’s no guarantee. Chicago would’ve also held on to no. 2 prospect Jefferson Rojas—who they dealt for Holmes and Taylor—or they would’ve shopped him elsewhere.

Could that “elsewhere” have been Toronto in a deal for the just-acquired Jose Soriano?

Mitch Bannon and Dan Hayes of The Athletic are reporting that the Cubs were among the teams that tried to make a play for Soriano after he had been traded from the Angels to the Blue Jays:

“After the Jays finalized their deal for Soriano, sending a three-prospect package to the Angels built around shortstop Arjun Nimmala, the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs were among the teams that then also reached out to Toronto to see if the Jays would be interested in moving Soriano again, league sources granted anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak about deadline dealings publicly said. The Jays listened.”

What might’ve been

Soriano had been a name connected to the Cubs for awhile. He was an appealing pitcher, not only for his groundball-inducing repertoire, but also for the fact that he’s under team control through the 2028 season.

The Cubs were also reportedly one of the teams who checked in on the Angels’ other team-controlled pitching asset Reid Detmers, who ultimately was not traded at the deadline at all—although an erroneous media report initially said that the Cubs had acquired him.

So, if fate hadn’t intervened, the Cubs’ deadline haul could’ve been Gausman, Soriano, Zeferjahn, and Garrett. It’s not certain, though, that they would’ve made the same moves had initial plans worked out.

Still, most fans and experts are secure in the feeling that the Cubs got precisely what they needed for this coming run to the playoffs.

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After an aggressive trade deadline, Jed Hoyer has addressed their pitching need. He has also put the Chicago Cubs in a prime position to make a potential deep run in the playoffs.

He acquired veteran starters Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, and Braxton Garrett, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. In addition, he can also look forward to some of the injured pitchers currently on the IL returning before the end of the season.

But if there is something to complain about the trade deadline, Hoyer could not acquire a controllable starting pitcher who could stabilize the rotation now. They also need someone to anchor it for years to come. He said it publicly. Moreover, he said it last year too.

After pursuing Reid Detmers, José Soriano, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock, Hoyer ultimately walked away with only Braxton Garrett — a talented but injury‑prone left‑hander from the Miami Marlins.

Soriano was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays for three minor leaguers. One of them was shortstop Arjun Nimmala, their 2023 1st-round pick. In fact, he is also a top-50 prospect in baseball according to many experts.

When Detmers was reportedly traded to the Cubs, many Cubs fans were ecstatic. But within less than 10 minutes after the news broke, many experts, led by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, confirmed the Cubs had not acquired Detmers. It was also reported that after trading Soriano, the Angels decided to nix any deal involving Detmers. Instead, the Cubs settled for reliever Ryan Zeferjahn.

The Cubs need to start developing their own controllable pitchers

It is hard to tell whether the Cubs liked Detmers more than Soriano and were willing to pay a similar price as Toronto did for Soriano. They were willing to pay. And yet, they missed out on controllable pitching for the second consecutive season. If they can’t acquire Detmers, Kirby, Hancock, or Soriano, perhaps they need to develop their own.

However, it is easier said than done. The Cubs’ minor‑league pitching pipeline has been thin for years. It’s the single biggest flaw in the organization’s long‑term roster construction. Their top pitching prospect, Jaxon Wiggins, has had right elbow inflammation and severe control struggles this season. 

Hoyer responded by drafting 16 pitchers this year, 15 of them from college. This year’s draft was hopefully the first real step toward fixing them. Yet, it might take at least a year or two to see if any of them are capable of pitching in the MLB.

Further complicating things for the Cubs is that there are many starting pitchers who will become free agents at the end of the season. Notably, these include Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and three pitchers Hoyer recently acquired: David Peterson, Kevin Gausman, and Clay Holmes.

Gausman and Boyd hit age 36 next season, Imanaga and Holmes turn 34, and Peterson reaches 32. The Cubs might still have to re‑sign a few of them, age concerns or not.

Garrett could still be a useful addition. But he missed the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. And his 2026 season consists of just two MLB games. While he’s controllable through 2028, this is purely a shot-in-the-dark type of move.

Until they can develop their own pitching pipeline, the Cubs will keep coming up empty at the deadline despite their best efforts.

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The Chicago Cubs were very aggressive during the MLB trade deadline, addressing their pitching needs. Many experts lauded the Cubs for identifying and addressing their needs and named them one of the winners at the deadline.

Jed Hoyer understood his mission and the urgency of the moment. Last year’s passive, frustrating deadline, which left both the fans and their players disappointed. This year, he and the Cubs ownership acted like a big-market operation after being criticized in the past.

And for manager Craig Counsell, the moment of truth has arrived as the Cubs manager.

When the Cubs fell into a deep slump back in May, many started to openly question what difference he was making as a manager. The losing streak has tested fans’ patience like never before. For the first time since he became the Cubs manager, he was facing legitimate criticism from both the fans and media. He had become the lightning rod of frustration in Chicago.

But the deadline changed the equation. The front office delivered reinforcements. The injured arms are returning. The roster is stabilizing.

Now the question becomes simple — and unavoidable: Can Counsell elevate this team into a deep playoff run?

The Cubs’ pitching overhaul gives Counsell what he didn’t have before

Jed Hoyer didn’t just patch holes. He rebuilt the pitching infrastructure. The Cubs added multiple arms at the deadline, giving Counsell:

• A more stable rotation with the addition of Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes
• A deeper bullpen with the addition of Ryan Zeferjahn
• More matchup flexibility
• More late‑inning options
• More ways to manage high‑leverage moments

And don’t forget, there are plenty of pitchers expected to return from the IL. Starter Edward Cabrera made his rehab start last Wednesday and looked good. With the addition of Gausman and Holmes, the Cubs do not need to rush Cabrera at all.

Meanwhile, Hoby Milner is also close to returning after suffering appendicitis in late June. Closer Daniel Palencia, who has been out since June 15, had his first rehab assignment on August 5th. MLB.com reported that he threw 22 pitches (11 strikes) in two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Iowa in his first rehab outing on Aug. 5. He is expected to have multiple rehab appearances.

For a team that had been decimated by the injuries to their pitching staff all season long, it is a good problem to have all of a sudden. You can never have enough pitching anyway.

Now he must prove he can manage them. No big deal, right? That’s the expectation. That’s the standard for a manager making $40 million.

The Cubs have enough pitching depth to compete in the National League, even against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who added Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. Even against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, Counsell’s former team, led by hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski.

Hoyer has given the Cubs the reinforcements. They have the momentum of a strong deadline. The players are getting healthy at the right time. Now the pressure is on Counsell to prove he can take this team where the Cubs hired him to go.

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To say that the Chicago Cubs 2026 defense is elite may actually be an understatement. Maybe “otherworldly” is the more correct description.

More News: Chicago Cubs starting rotation: From wrecked to elite

That admittedly sounds like full-blown hyperbole, but this is beyond highlight reel stuff. The numbers tell the tale of a defensive crew that has gone beyond being a safety net and is now an actual impact asset.

Not only are these guys establishing baseline stability for the pitching and offense, they are actively preventing runs—and they’re doing so at a crazy rate. Actually, according to Statcast, they are over twice as good at doing that than the next best defensive team in the majors.

Per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com:

“Looking at OAA [Outs Above Average], the Cubs’ entire group of infield-outfield regulars is above average: Crow-Armstrong (22), Swanson (15), Hoerner (six), Alex Bregman (five), Michael Busch (four), Seiya Suzuki (four) and Ian Happ (one). The same goes for Fielding Run Value, with Crow-Armstrong (24) and Swanson (10) leading the way.

To say the Cubs are at least twice as good as any other team in the Majors is not an exaggeration, either. Chicago entered Sunday ranked first in MLB with a 62 FRV [Fielding Run Value]. The Blue Jays were second at 27. The Cubs had 58 OAA going into Sunday’s action. The D-backs ranked second at 29.”

Gold Glove quality

More News: Chicago Cubs encouraged to extend Clay Holmes despite rough first start

Just look up and down the roster and you’ll find seven of eight position players who are legit Gold Glove-capable fielders and Seiya Suzuki in right, who is having a really good defensive year as well.

And even the pitchers are doing their thing with the glove, as Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation noted:

“I wanted to note that Boyd helped himself with some defense, as he often does (a double-play and a pick-off). With 2 DRS [Defensive Runs Saved], Boyd is tied for 15th among all pitchers. The funny thing, though, is that he’s only third on the Cubs! Shota Imanaga has 3, and Colin Rea has 4! Aaron Civale and Javier Assad also have 2, by the way. The Cubs’ absurdly good defense extends to their pitchers, it seems—their pitching staff trails only the Mets in DRS on the season.”

Unsung heroes

Defense doesn’t get a lot of headline attention in baseball, but it really is the glue that holds together a high-end team. It takes pressure of the pitching staff and keeps games close enough for the offense to pull ahead.

“Defenses, just in baseball, aren’t talked about that much,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson told MLB.com. “Every time you look at the scoreboard, it shows the offense stats. For the pitcher, it shows his ERA. It doesn’t ever show what we’ve done as a team defensively. And I think that’s also the cool part about it, too.”

Defenses may be unsung heroes, but the Cubs’ defense has been so tremendous that it screams “look at me.” And it just may be the factor that makes a big difference in the postseason as well.

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The Chicago Cubs were the talk of the National League (NL) Central early on this season. They held first place for a total of 21 days, in large part due to a pair of 10 game winning streaks throughout the months of April and early May. However, a 13-16 month of May and 2-6 beginning of June opened the doors for the Milwaukee Brewers, who have now held first place for 99 days and own the best record in baseball.

Yet, entering play on Aug. 10, the Cubs remain within striking distance, trailing the Brewers by just 5.5 games. A five-game winning streak by Chicago helped close the gap, but their recent success goes beyond that stretch. The Cubs are 12-5 over their last 17 games and have 69 wins on the season.

That said, the upcoming schedules could give Chicago an opportunity to make up even more ground. More importantly, the Cubs and Brewers still have seven head-to-head games remaining, meaning the NL Central race is far from decided and remains firmly within Chicago’s reach.

Despite the Milwaukee Brewers brilliance, the Chicago Cubs still have a clear path to winning the National League Central

In the immediate future, the Cubs appear to have a much more favorable schedule than the Brewers. Chicago will be facing the Nationals, Cardinals, White Sox and Mariners. Of those five, only the White Sox currently occupy a postseason spot.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, has a much tougher stretch ahead. The Brewers are heading out west to face the Padres and Dodgers. They will then return home for series against the Mariners and Braves. In total, Milwaukee is scheduled to face two teams currently in playoff position, Los Angeles and Atlanta, while San Diego and Seattle are hovering just outside the postseason picture.

If Chicago can take care of business during this stretch, it could significantly close the gap on Milwaukee before the two teams even meet again. The Cubs and Brewers are scheduled for a crucial four-game series at Wrigley Field from Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, followed by three more games at American Family Field from Sept. 7-9.

With seven head-to-head games still remaining, there is plenty of time for the division race to swing in Chicago’s favor. If the Cubs can continue gaining ground and capitalize when they face Milwaukee directly, they could put themselves in position to deny the Brewers a fourth consecutive NL Central title.

Importantly, if the Brewers and Cubs finish the season with identical records, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record. Milwaukee currently holds that advantage, winning four of the teams’ six meetings so far. That makes the seven remaining head-to-head matchups even more significant. Not only could those games determine the division winner outright, but they could also prove decisive if the two teams ultimately finish the season tied in the standings.

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The Chicago Cubs starting rotation looked like it was headed for disaster very early into the 2026 campaign.

More News: Chicago Cubs encouraged to extend Clay Holmes despite rough first start

Emerging 24-year-old ace Cade Horton went down to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in just his second start of the season. Jameson Taillon was getting absolutely crushed every time out. Matthew Boyd had already made two visits to the IL before the end of May. Edward Cabrera, who was good in his first few starts, suddenly started becoming not-so-good over his next few starts and would eventually find himself on the IL as well. Meanwhile, returning ace Justin Steele suffered a setback in his rehab from elbow surgery last year and would not be rejoining the rotation.

It was ugly. And even the one bright spot of Ben Brown’s surprising next-level breakthrough was muddied up by the return of his recurring neck injury and a trip to the IL.

That’s why what we’re seeing now is mind-blowing.

The Cubs rotation has become elite

More News: Chicago Cubs predicted to sign three-time All-Star outfielder this offseason

Since June 11, the Cubs’ starting rotation has a 3.31 ERA—the best in the National League and the third best in all of baseball. Zoom in further and you’ll see that the starters posted a 2.90 ERA over this last 17-game stretch of exhausting Summer ball, with ten of those games on the road and two high-profile series at Wrigley against the Dodgers and Yankees.

The true grit from this rotation is slowly becoming the story of the season. And with Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes added at the trade deadline, things could even get better.

“Really can’t ask for much more,” Matthew Boyd said after his seven quality innings in Sunday’s 10-2 win over the Royals in Kansas City, referring to the staff’s masterful run over the last two-and-a-half weeks. “It was awesome. It’s a tough stretch, especially at this time of year with the heat and the weather and the competition. But guys responded to the task at hand each day, and that was really, really special. And it speaks to the quality of this group. I think our best baseball is still ahead of us.”

“We’re very talented,” Boyd added. “Not only the five that we have now, but the seven, with C-Rea and Assad. They’re very much a part of this, too, and they’ve got us to where we are…We really believe in this group, and we’ve been on a good run.”

To the playoffs and beyond

“There’s a lot of really good arms, a lot of experience,” new Cub Holmes told media on Sunday. “We can all make each other better and keep elevating each other.

“At this time of the year and in the playoffs, pitching is what drives things. For us all to be at our best in this part of the year would be a fun thing to be a part of because of the potential here.”

And, really, the playoffs is really what this is all about. Right now, it looks like a sure thing that the Cubs will make it into postseason play. From there, their offense could carry them. But having pitching like they’ve gotten recently turns them from playoff entries to serious championship contenders.

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Last off-season, the Chicago Cubs signed reliever Shelby Miller to a two year, $2.5 million contract. The veteran right-hander, who is 35 years old, underwent Tommy John surgery last fall and wasn’t expected to pitch in 2026. Rather, Chicago gave him a two year deal to rehab this year and set his sights on the 2027 season.

However, Miller has continued to push the timeline throughout his recovery. Back in July, the Cubs announced that he was well ahead of schedule and was targeting a return to the majors before the end of the season. Now, he has taken another significant step toward making that a reality, officially beginning a rehab assignment in Triple-A.

Shelby Miller is eyeing a return to the Chicago Cubs bullpen and already is impressing scouts along the way

On the same day Miller was officially placed on a rehab assignment, Bob Nightengale highlighted the positive impressions he has made on scouts in his Sunday notebook. Miller had previously been working in the Arizona Complex League, where he continued progressing toward a potential return to the Cubs’ bullpen this season if needed.

“Veteran pitcher Shelby Miller has been impressing scouts watching him in the Arizona Complex League, and believe that he could help the Chicago Cubs in the bullpen if they have a need in September. Miller, who signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract in the spring, is coming from undergoing surgery last October for a torn right UCL and flexor tendon”

-Bob Nightengale’s notebook

On Sunday, August 10, Miller made an appearance in Triple-A. He tossed a scoreless frame and struck out a pair of batters. His fastball sat 95.7 MPH, which was up .05 MPH compared to his 2025 season average.

For the Cubs, Miller’s progress is becoming an increasingly intriguing storyline as the regular season winds down. Not only is he ahead of schedule, but the positive reports from scouts suggest he could return as a legitimate option rather than simply providing organizational depth.

Chicago made a relatively minor investment in Miller, but getting him back for the stretch run would be an unexpected boost to the bullpen. It also would be a way for Miller to for sure see game action before the impending collective bargaining negations that will take place this off-season, that already have next season in doubt.

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The Chicago Cubs’ newest starting pitcher Clay Holmes didn’t have a great debut outing with the team.

Pitching against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, the veteran right-hander allowed four earned runs in four innings pitched, with six hits and two walks. He also allowed a home run in the Cubs’ 6-3 loss.

More News: Chicago Cubs predicted to sign three-time All-Star outfielder this offseason

The flat performance was not entirely unexpected. After all, he hadn’t made a big league start since May 15 with the Mets, when he suffered a fractured right fibula on a line drive in a game against the Yankees.

“It took a lot of work to get back to this point, and it definitely felt good to be back in a big league game,” Holmes told reporters after the game. “Obviously, that’s not the full goal. You want to be back and helping this team win games. I just wasn’t quite sharp enough tonight, but it was a good step

There was just some sinkers up early and I wasn’t able to land the sweeper to get some good counts early. I started to make better pitches later. The sinker started to find the bottom of the zone and I got some balls on the ground. It’s just some small adjustments that I know I’ll be able to make and just go into work.”

Worth the price?

More News: Chicago Cubs and Kevin Gausman love affair begins in Kansas City

Even with the subpar start, many feel that the trade to bring him over to the Cubs, along with outfielder Tyrone Taylor, was well worth sacrificing the organization’s no. 2 prospect Jefferson Rojas. Some are even going so far as to nudge the Cubs front office into extending the groundball specialist.

Holmes has a $12 million player option for 2027. Most expect him to turn it down and dive into the free agent market. However, there’s a case to be made that he could exercise the option, stay with a Cubs defense that will make him look stellar in whatever time is left after the upcoming labor dispute, and then, even approaching 34 years of age, go for the fat multi-year free agent contract.

Chicago could also sidestep all that drama and extend him now.

Extending Clay Holmes?

Steven Ryan of Northside Baseball feels that this is absolutely the right move for the Cubs to make. He even goes so far as to theorize that part of trading for him was to facilitate an easier path to making him a Cub for a longer period of time.

Per Ryan:

“After looking at the trades the Cubs made this past week, I think there’s a clear cut return to the Cubs and that’s gonna be Mr. Clay Holmes. I think the Cubs were willing to give up Jefferson Rojas, not only because he was blocked, but because they really, really wanted a two-month view with Clay Holmes. Because this guy is just the perfect pitcher for this rendition of the Chicago Cubs. He has a 60% groundball rate, which plays right into the defense’s hands.”

For now, though, the focus is on this season and what Holmes can bring to the team. But with Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, and Kevin Gausman all free-agent eligible and Cade Horton’s future uncertain after Tommy John surgery, keeping Holmes around for some more time is not the worst idea.

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The Chicago Cubs are pushing forward, looking to make a deep run in the postseason with a roster fortified with some much-needed pitching pickups at the trade deadline. But front office eyes also have to be looking ahead to next season.

More News: Chicago Cubs and Kevin Gausman love affair begins in Kansas City

The team will have multiple core veteran players eligible for free agency at the end of this season, among them established Cubs assets such as Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Carson Kelly, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki.

The stories of corner outfielders Happ and Suzuki are especially worth following.

Chicago could conceivably lose both outfielders and are almost guaranteed to lose at least one. With no real outfield prospect close to being major league-ready at the moment, that means the team will either have to get really creative in finding a replacement or dip into the free agent market.

Randy Arozarena to the Cubs?

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Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report is predicting that the Cubs will do the latter and snatch up the Mariners’ three-time All-Star left fielder Randy Arozarena as a corner outfield replacement on a 5-year deal worth $97.5 million.

Per Miller:

“Some teams may balk at his age, leery about signing someone who is going to turn 32 before next season and who is already a bit of a defensive liability. However, he is easily one of the best position players available, worthy of a deal on par with the five-year, $92.5M contract that Josh Naylor got last winter, or that Anthony Santander signed the winter prior…

But with the Cubs slated to lose both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki this winter, he would fit seamlessly into that outfield.”

Miller’s predicted Arozarena contract probably isn’t too far off from what Happ and Suzuki might land on the open market, so the question is whether it wouldn’t just be easier for the Cubs to extend one of them rather than bring in someone new.

The pros and the cons

Arozarena is not strong defensively and everyone would definitely notice the difference between him and four-time Gold Glover Happ patrolling left. Offensively, though, he’s a full grade above Happ and right around Suzuki’s level in terms of the impact he could have in the lineup.

Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib has also given this outfield situation some thought, wondering aloud whether moving on from Happ and his defense would be a smart move to make, especially if the team is leaning towards re-signing the more offense-consistent Suzuki.

Per Misener:

“But with Pete Crow-Armstrong anchoring the mix in center, there’s more wiggle room to give up some defense for improved offensive performance – and even Suzuki has graded out well with the glove this year, thanks, in part, to having PCA next to him.

Suzuki has been as consistent as ever, carrying a 130 wRC+ into Sunday. In terms of bWAR, it’s already been the best season of his big-league career, and his bat has helped the Cubs bide their time as Alex Bregman settles in during the first year of his high-dollar contract.”

If the Cubs can’t bring Suzuki and/or Happ back, Arozarena might then make some sense, with Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, and Kevin Alcantara competing for the other corner outfield spot.

At the very least, Arozarena is somebody worth keeping an eye on.

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The Chicago Cubs are on a role, having won five straight games. This, of course, is precisely what fans and the front office wanted to see following the MLB trade deadline. Now 68-49 on the season, the Cubs are just 4.5 games out of first place in the National League Central Division and the race for the best record in baseball.

During this recent hot streak, the Cubs have not even deployed arguably their biggest trade deadline acquisition. Clay Holmes, formerly of the New York Mets, was on the 60-day injured list due to a fractured fibula.

However, he is going to look to keep the good times rolling by making his Cubs debut on Saturday.

The Chicago Cubs activate Clay Holmes and demote Braxton Garrett

On Saturday, the Cubs announced that they have activated Holmes from the injured list. In a corresponding move, they sent Braxton Jones, who also acquired at the trade deadline, to Triple-A Iowa:

Official roster move from the Cubs regarding Clay Holmes:

The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes from the 60-day injured list. In a corresponding move, left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Holmes is scheduled to make his…

— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) August 8, 2026

Before getting hit by a line drive that broke his leg, Holmes was 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts with the Mets. If he can return to form right away in Chicago, he can certainly help the Cubs make a late push for an NL Central title.

Garrett did not make any appearances for the Cubs since being acquired by them on Monday. Prior to the trade, he was 0-1 with a 14.54 ERA in two appearances for the Marlins.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Analyst cites pitching as argument against Pete Crow-Armstrong as NL MVP favorite
• Cubs and Kevin Gausman love affair begins in Kansas City
• Is Matt Shaw done in Chicago? Injury update may open exit door

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are making a push to try and catch the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central race as the month of August heats up. Coming off a trade deadline in which the Cubs focused on acquiring pitching, they are hoping it can help take them far in the postseason.

But right now, the bat and defense of Pete Crow-Armstrong has been the biggest story as he’s making a push for the NL MVP award.

Crow-Armstrong has been fantastic as of late, putting together one of the best seasons in baseball so far. He’s put himself not only in the MVP race but as of now, he’s the betting favorite. With Shohei Ohtani being the other contender, we are heading for a fun race to end the regular season.

And everyone has their opinions on who it should be. That includes some MLB Network analysts who broke down the race and who should be the winner. One of the arguments however revolves around pitching and Ohtani’s advantage with that.

MLB analysts use ERA for NL MVP discussion between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani

During a segment on MLB Network, former MLB player and current analyst Harold Reynolds asked a question during the debate and pointed to PCA not being a pitcher like Ohtani is:

“I think a lot of it is moving up in the lineup. I understand the swing change and all of that. But what I don’t see on any graphic with PCA, what is his ERA?” Reynolds said in the segment.  “How many innings did he pitch? How many did he strike out? The man didn’t pitch!”

There was push back from host Greg Amsinger who pointed out that Crow-Armstrong is the best defensive center fielder in all of baseball. The debate continued as Amsinger asked what is more important, 85 innings or the best defensive center fielder in the game?

“What about the greatest 85 innings you saw? You were comparing him to Bob Gibson,” Reynolds said. “You were comparing him to every Hall of Famer who picked up a baseball to pitch. That’s the caliber he [Ohtani] threw.”

You can watch the full segment below:

Harold and @CY24_7 debate over the NL MVP race after Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani each slugged two homers in today's matinee.

"What is [PCA's] ERA?" pic.twitter.com/xZ5mZkQme3

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 5, 2026

Ohtani’s pitching will be a factor in the voting when it comes time for it and the advantage for Ohtani is there. But he only threw 85 innings and while he was really darn good, if Crow-Armstrong can get to a 40/40 season, it would be a HUGE boost for his resume.

No center fielder has been able to hit that mark. Add in the fact that he’s the best defensive center fielder in baseball and it sounds like that should be enough. It just feels silly to base the argument on pitching.

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The Chicago Cubs made their first trade deadline move ahead of the August 3 cutoff date when they acquired starting pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays for Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Is Matt Shaw done in Chicago? Injury update may open the exit door

The swap was a well-received one in Chicago. It was the team’s first move to fortify a starting rotation stressed and strained by injury and they were able to pull it off while only giving up a pair of prospects with no real path to the majors right now anyway.

Right off the bat, the trade has paid dividends for the Cubs.

Gausman gives the Cubs what they need

More News: Chicago Cubs coach not ruling out new role for Edward Cabrera ahead of return

On Friday, the 35-year-old righty delivered seven quality innings in a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals, allowing only two earned runs with four strikeouts and one walk. Cubs fans held their collective breaths when Gausman was cracked in the ankle by a line drive in the first inning, but the scary-looking shot turned out to be a non-issue. This was the kind of late-inning outing the tired, but ever-churning Cubs bullpen needed.

After the game, there was nothing but mutual admiration in the Cubs locker room.

“Man, I can’t say enough about this defense,” Gausman told reporters. “You notice it right away. Guys are running all over the place, putting their body on the line. A lot of fun.”

The Gausman love was definitely reciprocated.

“It seemed like he got stronger as it went,” catcher Carson Kelly told media. “He’s nasty. He really is.”

Counsell on Gausman

Cubs manager Craig Counsell went into greater detail on Gausman and what a guy like him brings to a playoff-bound team.

“That’s one of the reasons you trade for somebody like this,” Counsell said. “This is a guy that we can’t throw something at him that he hasn’t seen. Guys like that are prepared for anything. That doesn’t take away the emotion of getting traded, or seeing your old team kind of come to town right away. But it teaches you how to process it and move forward.

“And Gaus has been in every situation. And he’s been in big situations. And he’s been traded. And he’s been on the next team. He knows how he has to react to that to be an effective pitcher. And tonight was a great example of it.”

Of course, this is only one game, with the high-pressure late-season and postseason days just about to come. But, as Counsell said, Gausman has seen everything. His reputation as a clutch postseason asset also can’t be overlooked—and it probably played a big role in the Cubs front office deciding to deal two Top 30 prospects for a free agency-bound rental.

Meanwhile, the Cubs’ other veteran starting pitcher deadline acquisition, Clay Holmes, is set to pitch on Saturday. He brings a similar high-achieving veteran profile as Gausman. The hope is that the two accomplished starters will anchor a playoff rotation now equipped to go deep into the postseason.

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The Chicago Cubs had asked a lot of sophomore Matt Shaw this season.

After seemingly winning the starting third base gig with a solid surge at the end of his 2025 rookie season, the Cubs’ 2023 first round draft pick’s status as every day third baseman only last until January.

More News: Chicago Cubs coach not ruling out new role for Edward Cabrera ahead of return

When Chicago signed veteran three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract, it became clear that Shaw would be out. While some speculated that he’d be traded for some much-needed pitching, the team ended up employing him as a utility asset, coming off the bench to play third, second, and the outfield.

And Shaw appeared to be adapting well. He held up defensively in the multi-position role and even his bat, which had been a concern the previous season, was more consistent and productive.

Then, on June 29, the 24-year-old was put on the IL with a left hand sprain and he hasn’t been seen since. What was viewed as a minor, innocuous injury at the time has dragged on and on, with no real time frame set for a return.

A troubling Matt Shaw update

More News: Chicago Cubs: Palencia facing uncertain future as Cubs closer

The recent update from Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro is not at all encouraging either:

Matt Shaw (left hand/wrist) is still weeks away from returning, Counsell said. Swinging a bat at full speed/strength remains the issue.

Counsell: “It’s going in the right direction, just a lot more slowly than we would have hoped & thought. So, we’ve gotta be a little patient.”

The MLB.com Shaw injury update of August 7 also seems kind of dark:

Traveled with Cubs to Kansas City to continue rehab. Recently resumed light hitting, but is building up intensity of his swings. Manager Craig Counsell said Shaw remains “weeks” away.

The problem for Shaw is that, honestly, nobody is missing him or what he brings to the field.

The rise of Pedro Ramirez

That’s no knock on Shaw and his abilities. It’s more of a recognition that rookie Pedro Ramirez, who got called up to the majors on May 22, has been absolutely stellar in the spots Shaw was supposed to fill.

On the season, the 22-year-old Ramirez is hitting .300 with 2 home runs and 15 RBIs in 122 plate appearances. He’s also played stellar defense at second base and third base, with even one appearance made in left field. He’s turned out to be every bit the baseball gem manager Craig Counsell had raved about in spring training.

And, again, he’s serving in the same exact role that Shaw was given as an off-the-bench super sub. But he’s doing it seemingly easier and more naturally.

That begs the question of what will become of Shaw when he is healthy enough to come back.

The Cubs could conceivably carry two similar bench assets playing the same roles. Next season, Shaw and/or Ramirez could even be made into full-time corner outfielders in anticipation of Ian Happ and/or Seiya Suzuki leaving via free agency.

Increasingly, though, there’s the possibility that Shaw could be traded. Rumors abounded that he’d find himself swapped out for pitching at this year’s trade deadline, but if that was a possibility, it became less so due to his lingering injury.

For now, at the very least, the Cubs aren’t missing what Shaw could bring. So, there’s time to weigh all options. But the rise of Ramirez does put Shaw’s future in Chicago in question.

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The Chicago Cubs went from having a critical dearth of starting pitching to having a surplus of rotation arms in, seemingly, just a matter of hours.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Palencia facing uncertain future as Cubs closer

Picking up Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes at the trade deadline added immediate strength to a starting rotation that had been besieged by injury from the very beginning of the season.

As things stand right now, the Cubs have seven starters vying for five rotation spots—Gausman, Holmes, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and David Peterson. In the not-too-distant future, there will be eight pitchers competing for those five spots.

Hard-throwing righty Edward Cabrera made his second rehab start for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Wednesday and is reportedly one outing away from rejoining the major league team.

Pitching against the Indianapolis Indians, the 28-year-old looked dominant. He struck out eight in four shutout innings, walking none and only allowing one hit in the 55-pitch appearance.

Performances like Wednesday’s add to the Cubs’ good problem to have when it comes to starting pitching.

New role for Edward Cabrera?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Hoerner and Swanson offensive rebirth started on the same date

But with so many rotation-viable arms in the mix now, could Cabrera be utilized in other roles, specifically in the bullpen? Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy admits that it’s a possibility, although the goal is still to keep him as a starter.

“I think we’re definitely open to doing that,” Hottovy told reporters. “He’s got an electric arm. It’d be crazy not to think about him coming into a postseason game and (throwing) the back-end two, three innings of a game. Our goal is to get him back as a starter. How things end up at the end of the year — you know how the postseason is, it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach.”

A frustrating 2026

Cabrera has been on the shelf since suffering a left hamstring strain on June 23 against the New York Mets at Citi Field while attempting to cover first base on a ground ball. There’s been no firm date on a possible return, but there will be at least one more rehab outing before making the decision on when to bring him back. The luxury of having this surplus of starters is that there’s now no pressure to rush him along.

So far this season, Cabrera has had an up-and-down year. Over his first seven starts with the Cubs, he delivered a 3.27 ERA and was the starting rotation presence the team had hoped for when they swapped their top prospect Owen Caissie, along with no. 11 prospect Cristian Hernandez and 19-year-old infielder Edgardo De Leon to get him from the Miami Marlins over the offseason.

Over the last seven starts before his injury, though, he struggled. Affected by a blister and hand cramping issues, he posted an ugly 7.55 ERA during that run.

It’s likely that the Cubs will give Cabrera every possible benefit of every possible doubt to keep a spot in the rotation as a young arm with a tremendous upside, under team control through the 2028 season.

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The Chicago Cubs, coming off the heels of a nice trade deadline haul, now find themselves staring down a pleasant dilemma when it comes to their pitching staff.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Hoerner and Swanson offensive rebirth started on the same date

The team added Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett, and Ryan Zeferjahn before the August 3 deadline to fortify a staff that had been stressed and strained by injury. At the same time, however, some of the Cubs on the shelf are starting to work their way back to the major league roster.

With a staff soon to be overloaded with viable options, the Cubs will soon have to make some difficult decisions.

For closer Daniel Palencia, those decision may involve some tough news.

The closer competition

More News: New Chicago Cubs pitcher strikes up World Series chatter

With the Cubs acquiring closer-capable reliever Zeferjahn—and using him in that kind of late-inning role twice already since bringing him aboard—it’s clear that the team, at the very least, is looking for a viable Plan B to Palencia as the closer. You don’t trade away two quality prospects like Moises Ballesteros and Mason McGwire for a reliever under team control through 2030 if you don’t anticipate big things for him.

An unexpected possible addition to the late-inning mix is also offseason pickup Shelby Miller, who was signed to a two-year deal as a free agent with the understanding that 2026 would be a year fully spent rehabbing after elbow surgery. But Miller is reportedly further along in his recovery than anyone had anticipated, already touching 95 to 97 mph with his four-seamer in Arizona. There’s very real talk now that the veteran, who has some late-inning save experience, could pitch for the Cubs before season’s end.

Current de facto closer Jacob Webb, meanwhile, has earned the right to be a show-closer after stepping up to that role as last man standing in the bullpen following the rash of injuries.

One also can’t overlook the possible late-season return of guys like Ben Brown, Justin Steele, and Hunter Harvey who could be impact bullpen assets.

New role for Palencia?

With the new competition crowding around the closer spot, Palencia is facing a reality where he’s no long THE man to close out Cubs games when he gets back to Chicago. Manager Craig Counsell is taking a definite wait-and-see approach to his role upon return.

“I think initially when Daniel comes back, we’re certainly going to be flexible with when he pitches,” Counsell told media. “Just get him into some appearances. If we get to a place where we’re kind of getting more defined, great. If we don’t, great.”

The hard-throwing 26-year-old righty is currently working through his second stint on the IL this season, rehabbing from elbow issues that have had him out of commission since mid-June.

On Wednesday, he had his first rehab outing for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Pitching against the Indianapolis Indians, Palencia allowed one earned run in two-thirds of an inning. In the 22-pitch appearance, he allowed one hit and walked two while striking out one.

It wasn’t a great outing, but it was the kind of showing to be expected in a pitcher’s first rehab appearance. Most important, though, was the fact that Palencia emerged without any arm issues.

“We know with Danny, that’s going to come pretty quickly as he continues to gain confidence,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told The Athletic. “The most important thing: He felt good and felt strong coming out of it. That checked a big box in my head and his head coming off the arm stuff.”

Now, when he gets back to the majors, it looks like he’ll have to go right back and try to win his old closer spot.

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One of the Chicago Cubs’ biggest moves at the MLB Trade Deadline was acquiring starting pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. With some help needed in the starting rotation, Jed Hoyer went out and made some big additions.

The hope is that Gausman can help boost the rotation and make a push for the playoffs. With the addition of Gausman, it could set up Craig Counsell’s rotation for the long run.

As the Cubs are riding high following a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers and then winning a makeup game against Toronto on Thursday, they get set for a big weekend series in Kansas City. Gausman will make his debut on Friday night, hoping to get a series opening win for Chicago. Before that, he spoke to the media ahead of Thursday’s win over the Blue Jays. It was there that revealed he didn’t want to face his former team.

Why Kevin Gausman didn’t want to face former team

With that make up game on Thursday, there was a chance Gausman could debut against the Blue Jays. But he preferred not to and explained why.  While Gausman didn’t necessarily ask to not pitch against Toronto, he preferred his first start to be over the weekend instead:

“I just know it would be a lot,” Gausman said about the possibility of pitching against Toronto in his first Cubs start, according to Sportsnet. “I just want to focus on trying to win a game and pitching against them, I think I could do it, I know those hitters pretty well over there, their strengths, their weaknesses. But I think it would a lot mentally. For them, too.

“Really close with all those guys. Wish them nothing but the best. Looking forward to watching us play them today and seeing those guys again, but definitely glad I’m not facing them.”

The 35-year-old Gausman  is 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 23 starts this season.  He’s in the final year of a five-year contract he signed with the Blue Jays and will help to lead the Cubs into a deep postseason run.

He could make a good first impression on Friday.

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Cubs fans had been waiting months for Alex Bregman to come up in a big spot at Wrigley Field. Bregman was hitting .212/.320/.313 with four homers and 21 RBI at The Friendly Confines heading into Thursday. Plenty of times this year, Bregman came up in a do-or-die spot, and it ended with a popup, groundout, or strikeout.

Finally, that changed on Thursday down 2-0 with two outs and a 1-2 count on him in the bottom of the ninth against the Blue Jays. Not only did Bregman tie the game with a laser shot into the leftfield corner, he hit it off All Star closer Louis Varland. The 28-year-old flamethrower was a perfect 24/24 in save situations with a 1.09 ERA and 1.58 FIP in 52 appearances.

WE AREN'T DONE YET. pic.twitter.com/p54z2LmEui

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 6, 2026

Alex Bregman comes up big

Pete Crow-Armstrong ultimately started and finished off the Cubs rally, but Bregman had the big swing. Not to mention his backhand play at third in the top of the 10th to steal a run. He truly saved the game twice.

Alex Bregman is putting the Cubs on his back today https://t.co/aD2zh6clag pic.twitter.com/Rmf4eqshnf

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 6, 2026

That had to feel incredible for Bregman. He had a rough go over his first few months in Chicago, to the point where boos rained down from the stands. One could argue Bregman was the last guy they wanted to see up with runners in a big spot. Even Marquee’s Boog Sciambi and Jim Deshaies made a quip about him “having his moment”.

After all the jeers and hisses, watching him pumped up rounding the bases with the place going nuts can bring such a big smile to a Cubs fan’s face.

In the end, fans have wanted to see the shiny, expensive toy do cool things. Regardless if Crow-Armstrong is the best player on the team, Bregman was signed to come through in these moments. He’s done a lot of work to get back into form, and he can hang his hat on this. He was fired up, and the crowd was too. Hopefully a good sign of things to come for him.

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The Chicago Cubs have improved to 67-49 on the season with their thrilling 3-2 walk-off win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon. This was their fourth consecutive win following the MLB trade deadline, a time that saw the Cubs add some much needed pieces to their roster.

One of those pieces came up huge in the victory today. Aaron Civale, who was acquired earlier from the Athletics, pitched three innings of solid relief while allowing one run. While he did not get the win, he was able to keep Chicago in the game.

It was just one example of how the Cubs did exactly what they needed to do ahead of Monday’s deadline.

The Chicago Cubs were named a winner of the MLB trade deadline

Recently, The Athletic released its list of the winners and losers from the MLB trade deadline. Unsurprisingly, they declared the Cubs one of the winners with high praise for everything that they did:

“Coming out of the All-Star break, the Cubs’ rotation lined up like this: Colin Rea, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and David Peterson. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer overhauled that group ahead of the trade deadline, adding a pair of two-time All-Star right-handers, Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, and lefty Braxton Garrett.

“The Cubs, who also have Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown on the injured list, should be able to flex some of their surplus starters into relief roles in the postseason.

“Tyrone Taylor is another rangy outfield option for the Cubs, but he also has hit left-handed pitching well this season, which could come in handy in October. All of that adding came at a significant cost to the Cubs’ farm system.

“The departure of Jefferson Rojas, in particular, will sting. But the major-league roster is undeniably better because of it, and, in the midst of a division race, that matters most.”

Every addition the Cubs made addressed a pressing need. What is more, they filled those needs with quality players who should be able to contribute in a positive manner for the rest of the season.

The only downside, as referenced above, is that their already low-ranked farm system took a considerable hit. Hopefully they do not regret parting ways with Jefferson Rojas down the road.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs fans can dream of Pete Crow-Armstrong winning the NL MVP
• Pete Crow-Armstrong discusses possibility of winning NL MVP
• MLB analyst reveals why Pete Crow-Armstrong should be frontrunner to win NL MVP

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The post After sweeping the Dodgers, the Cubs fans can dream of Pete Crow-Armstrong winning the MVP appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Wednesday afternoon saw two of the best teams in the National League, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angles Dodgers, face off against each other. While the two own some of the best records in the NL, the Cubs were going for a series sweep.

Additionally, the game saw the two front-runners for NL MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani, lead-off for both teams. Fans at Wrigley Field were sure treated to two spectacular performances.

And a Cubs win.

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong discusses possibility of winning MVP over Shohei Ohtani

The game started with Ohtani hitting a solo home run to lead-off the first inning. Then, in the bottom of the first, Crow-Armstrong tied the game 1-1 with a solo shot of his own.

Both players finished 3-5 in the game. Both hit two home runs. Crow-Armstrong had more RBI, though, driving in four runs while Ohtani drove in three.

And Chicago won 7-6.

Many viewed the back-and-forth between the two stars as a battle for supremacy in the NL MVP race. When asked if he felt that he had surpassed the Dodgers star in the race, Crow-Armstrong said, “I would be crazy to say that I don’t want to win an MVP but if we’re talking about having priorities straight, I think mine are pretty straight. It’s not on the forefront of my mind.

“It’s fun to joke about it and it’s fun to acknowledge. And I think it’s absolutely okay to pay attention to, but again, it’s not like following me up to the plate. And yeah, I think if you guys want to talk about all this back and forth, I really should go get in the lab and start pitching. I really should.”

The thing is, though, that Ohtani is not currently pitching due to injuries. What is more, Crow-Armstrong’s defense adds several points to his MLB-leading 7.0 WAR.

If the season were to end today, the Cubs centerfielder might very well be the NL MVP.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson both broke out of slumps on the same date
• New Cubs pitcher strikes up World Series chatter
• Cubs 10-year veteran will lose playing time after Tyrone Taylor addition

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are 66-49 following their sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon. As has been the case all week thus far, the two National League powerhouses were propelled by their best players, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs and Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers.

Both players are having stellar seasons, and each are considered a top-two favorite to win the National League MVP Award. Ohtani, of course, was thought to have the inside track because of his pitching. However, one MLB analyst isn’t so sure anymore.

MLB analyst says Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong should be the NL MVP

Entering play on Wednesday, Crow-Armstrong was hitting .284/.384/.535 with 24 home runs, 65 RBI, and 28 RBI. He also led the Majors with 7.0 WAR. In Chicago’s final game in their series against Los Angeles, he was 3-5 with two more home runs and four RBI.

Prior to the game, Jon Morosi of MLB Network stated that he believes the Cubs centerfielder should be the frontrunner for the NL MVP Award:

“As of right now, I will say Pete Crow-Armstrong is the frontrunner to win the National League MVP.”@jonmorosi highlights the @Cubs superstar and his elite combination of offense and defense ahead of today’s #MLBNShowcase presented by @Goodyear at 2pm ET. pic.twitter.com/9X9Z5dVrlg

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 5, 2026

“As the kids are saying these days, Wrigley is a vibe. It was amazing to be there, I heard the chants, and then I looked at the numbers. I said to myself, ‘What is the argument for PCA to win the MVP in the National League?’

“And as of right now, I will say Pete Crow-Armstrong is the front runner to win the National League MVP.”

Morosi goes on to argue that PCA’s defensive numbers, combined with his offensive numbers, still give him a higher WAR than Ohtani.

And since it is not yet known when or if Ohtani can pitch again this year, PCA may have the upper hand.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson both broke out of slumps on the same date
• New Cubs pitcher strikes up World Series chatter
• Cubs 10-year veteran will lose playing time after Tyrone Taylor addition

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Since being drafted by the Chicago Cubs, Ian Happ has been a steady presence both on and off the field. He has won four straight Gold Glove Awards. He also started a popular baseball podcast called The Compound and launched his own coffee brand, Connect Roasters.

But this season has not been kind to him. He is hitting just above .200. In addition, he is batting .184 with runners in scoring position (RISP) so far this season. His offensive performance has drawn ire from frustrated fans, despite his stellar defense.

It looks like the Cubs had enough as well.

The Cubs desperately needed pitching help, and Jed Hoyer was very aggressive in addressing those needs during the MLB trade deadline on Monday. They did acquire outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who came from the New York Mets with pitcher Clayton Holmes.

But the Cubs didn’t just acquire Taylor for depth. Manager Craig Counsell made that clear the moment Taylor was acquired: Ian Happ will not start against left‑handed pitching anymore.

If you look at Happ’s performance between LHP compared to Taylor’s, you can understand Counsell’s decision.

If Craig Counsell decides to platoon Ian Happ and Tyrone Taylor in left field, the Cubs’ production from LF could be huge.

Happ vs RHPs
.238/.362/.458 — 128 wRC+
43.2% Hard-Hit% | 13.0% Barrel% | .357 wOBA

Taylor vs LHPs
.301/.311/.589 — 145 wRC+
90.0 mph EV | 9.1% Barrel% |… pic.twitter.com/7nkr8SZZFC

— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) August 4, 2026

Could this be the beginning of the end for Happ?

For a team fighting to stay afloat in the NL race, Taylor’s addition makes sense. For Happ, he’s losing starts to a newly acquired role player. That has to frustrate him.

This is a seismic shift for Happ, who has been entrenched in left field for years. He has been treated as a lineup fixture regardless of performance. As he heads into free agency after the season, it’s also a blunt acknowledgment of reality. Happ hasn’t been good enough, and the Cubs finally have an alternative who fits what they need.

Taylor isn’t a star, but he’s exactly the type of player the Cubs need at this moment: a right‑handed outfielder who hits lefties and doesn’t shrink in high‑leverage spots. More importantly, Taylor played for Counsell from 2019-2023 in Milwaukee, and hit a career-high 17 home runs in 2022. Taylor is not a stranger to playing in Wrigley Field.

Meanwhile, Happ has been brutal against left‑handed pitching this season. He has struck out 145 times. His at‑bats lack conviction. Counsell didn’t sugarcoat it — Taylor is here to take those matchups.

The message is simple yet blunt: the Cubs are no longer waiting for Happ to turn it around. They’re moving forward with someone who can help them win right now.

For Cubs fans, they are also getting a glimpse into a life after Happ.

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The Chicago Cubs were one of the most active teams ahead of the MLB trade deadline. So far, the moves they made have sure paid off as they are on the verge of sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles, of course, landed the biggest name on the trading block this year in two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. The Cubs defeated him on Tuesday night.

Chicago, too, landed a pretty high-profile pitcher themselves. They were able to acquire two-time All-Star starter Kevin Gausman, who will make his Cubs debut on Friday.

Kevin Gausman reveals his wife’s reaction to Chicago Cubs trade

Gausman spent the last 4.5 seasons in Toronto. But before that he was a long-time member of the Baltimore Orioles for a while. During that time to start out his Major League career, he was often linked to the Cubs in trade rumors.

So when he was finally dealt to Chicago last weekend, Gausman says that his wife told him: “It’s about time.” He added, “Because just in Baltimore for years, it seemed like it was kind of always a link to here. … Happy that I’m here finally.

“Being a part of a team when they can bring guys in and you know that they’re going for it, it’s almost like a shot of adrenaline and can kind of breathe some life into the team. It doesn’t seem like this team needs it, to be honest, but still excited to be here.”

The two-time All-Star is 5-10 with a 4.39 ERA so far this season, his worst marks in several years. Hopefully a change of scenery will do him good.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson both broke out of slumps on the same date
• New Cubs pitcher strikes up World Series chatter
• Cubs 10-year veteran will lose playing time after Tyrone Taylor addition

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs, on Tuesday, not only notched a victory over the back-to-back defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, but they also did it with new Dodger Tarik Skubal on the mound. The victory at Wrigley Field secured them the series win versus the overwhelming 2026 World Series favorites.

More News: New Chicago Cubs pitcher strikes up World Series chatter

Among the heroes of the 5-1 win were second baseman Nico Hoerner and shortstop Dansby Swanson. Both homered in the game, with Swanson actually doing so off Skubal. On the evening, Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs while Swanson was 3-for-4 with a homer and an RBI.

Tuesday’s performances were actually just part of the continuing upward offensive trajectory for both.

Swanson and Hoerner come alive

More News: Chicago Cubs: 4 big questions following the trade deadline haul

In August alone, the two have combined for a .345 average with three home runs and four RBIs.

But the trend goes back even further. Interestingly enough, both middle infielders turned things around on a previously dreadful offensive season on the exact same date—June 24, in the Cubs’ double header with the New York Mets.

Since that day—a day where Swanson had a historic 11 RBIs—both players have been red-hot.

Hoerner has hit .307 in the 34 games starting with the 24th. He now looks like his usual self, making contact and smartly aggressive in putting the ball in play.

Swanson is hitting .275 since that day, but he also has 8 home runs and 27 RBIs in that run. Prior to that, there was real talk about benching the veteran, whose average was down to .189 before the start of the twin bill in New York.

To their credits, their defense never suffered during the offensive doldrums. They were still contributing. But, of course, bringing their bats along is a big deal for this team with real postseason aspirations.

Coming along at the perfect time

The connection between the double-play partners has been written about before and that synergy makes the simultaneous offensive awakening all the more interesting.

“We just have an understanding of how we want to play the game, how we want to work, and how we want to prepare,” Swanson said of Hoerner earlier in the season. “It makes it very seamless when you have two guys that are cut from the same cloth.”

“His preparation,” Hoerner responded to a question regarding what makes Swanson a special ball player. “He knows himself really well, and he’s definitely got his routine down in the most efficient way you can do it… he’s got it to where he’s able to be at his best every day regardless of how he’s feeling and knowing when to work and when to take a day lighter and manage that so he’s at his best playing. That’s definitely something that I can improve on.”

Whatever the reason, the two have awoken at the absolute perfect time—just as the Cubs are fortifying their roster and making that last push towards the playoffs.

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The Chicago Cubs bagged one of the top three or four starting pitchers on the trade deadline wish lists of fans and media when they acquired Clay Holmes from the New York Mets.

More News: Chicago Cubs: 4 big questions following the trade deadline haul

It would cost them no. 2 prospect Jefferson Rojas to grab the veteran righty, along with outfielder Tyrone Taylor, but most analysts agree that the deal was a smart one for a Cubs team serious about making a strong postseason run.

On Tuesday, the 33-year-old Holmes talked to media about the move to Chicago and how he’s walked into an absolute perfect fit as a groundball specialist.

Clay Holmes on his perfect fit

More News: Why Chicago Cubs fans gave Kyle Tucker brutal Wrigley reception

“I’m super excited,” Holmes told reporters. “Obviously, there were a lot of things floating out there. You just look at this team, where they’re at, and for me, this defense is probably one of the best places I could have come.

“People around the league, you know the Cubs have got a really good defense. Obviously you see them play and it’s special. A guy like me, that’s what I do. I’m a sinker ball guy and rely on quality of contact. To be able to trust a defense like that and know that’s what you have behind you is a freeing thing.”

“This is a complete team,” Holmes added. “You have the defense, the lineup, the pitching. Just to see the roster, I mean, it’s an exciting group.”

The nine-year veteran has had a unique major league run, transitioning from an elite closer to a high-end starting pitcher over the last two seasons. The one constant, though, is his ability to generate weak contact and get outs. He’s also managed a 55.8 percent groundball rate since becoming a full-time starter.

Holmes, who will soon be activated from the 60-day IL after recovering from a fractured fibula earlier in the season, is reportedly slated to make his Cubs debut in the upcoming Kansas City Royals series.

The move from the jumbled dysfunction of the last place Mets to the surging, likely playoff-bound Cubs has seemingly energized Holmes, who is now even tossing out a bit of World Series talk.

Energized and hungry

“You want to win your last game,” Holmes said. “You put in all the work, you put in all the preparation, you forge relationships to be a team that wins it at the end. And to know you have a real chance to do that, especially at this point in the season, is energizing.

“I’ve felt it before in my career. I’ve lost a World Series. And there’s that hunger of wanting to be the last team standing.”

Following the Cubs’ deadline haul and after taking the first two games of their series against the back-to-back defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers—one of them against new Dodger Tarik Skubal—a lot of positivity is sprouting up everywhere in Chicago.

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Over the last two games, the Chicago Cubs have faced a pair of southpaws in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation. First, they drew Justin Wrobleski, who saw his ERA jump from 2.88 to 3.31 after the Cubs tagged him with seven earned runs and four home runs allowed. Then, prized trade deadline addition Tarik Skubal took the mound, allowing two earned runs over six innings pitched, but Chicago got the last laugh by a second consecutive game against the National League powerhouse.

That said, missing from the starting lineup in both of those contests was outfielder Ian Happ. The 10 year veteran has had a down year in the batting average department, sitting at just .215 as of August 4, but has maintained a respectable .328 on-base percentage, .413 slugging percentage, and a 105 OPS+ with 18 home runs on the season.

Happ, a switch hitter, owns a career .233/.308/.383 line against southpaws, numbers that are noticeably different compared to when he swings from the other side of the plate. This year, however, those averages are down a lot more than normal, coming in at just .158/232/.298 with just eight extra base hits all year in those situations.

Those numbers are one of the reasons why Jed Hoyer targeted a right-handed-hitting outfielder at the trade deadline. The Cubs filled that role by acquiring Tyrone Taylor, reuniting him with manager Craig Counsell. Furthermore, the club has officially announced that Happ will cede playing time against left-handed pitching for the remainder of the season, with Taylor expected to take on a larger role in those matchups.

Ian Happ will platoon for the Chicago Cubs the remainder of the season

During an appearance on The Score Chicago’s Spiegel and Holmes afternoon show, Counsell discussed the acquisition of Taylor and how it will affect the Cubs’ lineup moving forward. Counsell indicated that Happ will see significantly less playing time against left-handed pitching for the remainder of the season.

The primary reason for the change is Taylor’s production against left-handed pitching. The right-handed hitter is slashing .289/.299/.566 against southpaws this season, giving the Cubs a legitimate platoon option in left field. That doesn’t mean Happ’s role will disappear, however. He is still expected to enter games later, depending on the matchup, once the opposing starter has exited and the bullpen takes over.

While it may be an adjustment for Happ, the move reflects the Cubs’ commitment to putting the best possible lineup on the field as the end of the season draws near and every matchup carries extra weight.

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It was bittersweet for fans Monday afternoon when the Cubs included Moisés Ballesteros in a deal with the Angels to acquire controlled reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. The 22-year-old catcher/DH had spent the last few years showing off impressive bat skills at all levels within the Cubs organization. He looked like a hitter who could not be let go of, despite being primarily a matchup DH.

It felt like just yesterday he was hitting .400/.443/.665 over his first 26 games this season. However, the league adjusted to him quickly, eventually landing him back in Triple A Iowa. Still, he’s only 22 with upside. There’s no doubt it can hurt to part ways with a young high-upside guy, but one can reflect on why he was included in the Zeferjahn deal and understand it.

Parting ways with Ballesteros

As mentioned before, the bat really tailed off after opponents started adjusting. He went from hitting .400 to slashing just .231/.303/.385 by the time he was demoted mid-June. MLB velocity gave Ballesteros some grief as he hit just .116 with a 40% whiff rate off four-seamers. Unfortunately, he continued to struggle in Iowa, hitting just .235/.347/.353 with two homers in 32 games.

To reinforce an earlier statement, this is not a verdict on Ballesteros’s career. He was a top prospect for a reason and up until a few months ago was mashing at every level. Adjustments, slumps, and growing pains will happen to young players. The key here is that his current lack of a solidified defensive position gave him a much shorter rope at a time the Cubs are in win-now mode.

Ballesteros caught a few innings with the Cubs this season, but Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya are the set catchers. Add to the fact that prospect Owen Ayers is shooting up the Cubs farm as a potential future option. The current value in Ballesteros is strictly the bat, so he had to be producing to maintain value with the club. Otherwise, there just was not a spot for him.

Is it easy to give up on an upside bat like his? No. Could he have theoretically stayed in the organization to work on things? Yes. However, the Cubs needed a high-powered reliever, and one under control like Zeferjahn was going to be expensive. Ballesteros had a murkier future with the club in terms of fit, and the time seemed appropriate for the Cubs to get what they needed while he had trade value.

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The Chicago Cubs entered the weekend of the MLB trade deadline with crystal clear needs. They needed to arm or two to fortify their bullpen, and they need as many starting pitchers as they could possibly acquire. Both the starting rotation and bullpen staffs have been ravaged by injuries this year, but Chicago has been able to weather to the storm (for the most part).

In the finals days and hours leading up to the deadline, the Cubs were able to add three starting pitchers and a reliever. In doing so, they accomplished everything they set out to do.

ESPN names the Chicago Cubs one of the winners of the MLB trade deadline

ESPN named the Los Angeles Dodgers as the biggest winner of the deadline for an obvious reason. That is, because they were able to acquire two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

However, they also believe Chicago should be counted among the winners, writing:

“The Cubs needed pitching help of all denominations at the deadline, and they went out and got just that by adding Clay Holmes, Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett and Ryan Zeferjahn. They did give up one of their top prospects in shortstop Jefferson Rojas as well as fan favorite Moises Ballesteros, but Garrett and Zeferjhan come with future years of team control (and Holmes has a player option for 2027).

“It’s a bold series of moves given the Cubs are still 6½ games behind the Brewers, but a revamped rotation with Holmes, Gausman, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga looks like one that, paired with a lineup that has scored as many runs as the Dodgers, could go on an extended playoff run.

Chicago did have to give up Rojas and Ballesteros, two of their more exciting developing players. However, they got controllable pitching as well as some high-quality rentals.

Since the Brewers were not able to add a bat or land what can be considered any splash players, Chicago could erase that deficit in the NL Central real soon.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• 4 big questions for the Cubs following their massive trade deadline haul
• Jed Hoyer finally acts like a big market GM for the Cubs
• Why Cubs fans gave Kyle Tucker a brutal reception at Wrigley Field

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago  sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs made a splash with their trade deadline haul this season. By the 5 pm CT cutoff on Monday, the team had five new pieces to their puzzle and had, ostensibly, filled the gaping holes that needed to be filled en route to a serious postseason run.

More News: Why Chicago Cubs fans gave Kyle Tucker brutal Wrigley reception

Walking away from the deadline, the Cubs added Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays, Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets, Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins, and Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels. In return, Chicago gave up several prized prospects, including Jefferson Rojas, Moises Ballesteros, Jonathan Long, and Mason McGwire.

Overall, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is being rightfully hailed for his bold trade deadline moves. But there are still some questions remaining after the haul. Here are four of the biggest:

The Mets’ PCA payback?

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On Monday, the Cubs got two major-league rentals—Holmes and Taylor—from the Mets for their push to the playoffs. In return, they gave away a young, highly-regarded, high-ceiling prospect. It’s almost the exact same scenario as 2021 when the Cubs traded Javier Baez and Trevor Williams to the playoff-aspiring Mets for a 19-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong. Could this recent swap be the Mets’ payback for that fail?

The 21-year-old Rojas, ranked no. 2 in the Cubs system, is a legit talent with a real big league upside, especially when it comes to offense. In a couple of years, when Holmes and Taylor are long gone from Chicago, could the Cubs be looking back at Rojas as the Mets now look back at PCA?

A Clay Holmes extension?

Holmes is exactly the type of pitcher that profiles well with the Cubs’ stellar defense behind him. And although the veteran is finishing up a rehab assignment in the minors after suffering a fractured right fibula earlier in the season, he’s expected to do quite well in Chicago.

But Holmes’ player option for 2027 is a serious point of concern for the Cubs and their fans who worry that he could very well be just a rental asset.

These days, most players with options decide to become free agents. But given the uncertainties related to a pending labor dispute and the feeling that much of the season might be lost because of it, dynamics have changed.

Could Holmes decide to exercise his $12 million option for 2027, play out whatever part of the season remains, and then opt for free agency in 2028 when the market would be more stable? That’s a distinct possibility, especially considering that he was reportedly willing to talk extension with the Mets before being traded. The Cubs are likely hoping for that to be the case.

What about Ian Happ?

Ian Happ will still see the lion’s share of playing time in left field, but it’s pretty clear at this point that the team acquired Tyrone Taylor to take Happ’s at bats versus lefties. Happ is batting a meager .158 versus southpaws this season, while Taylor is hitting .301 against them. Taylor is also very good defensively, so the Cubs don’t really lose that much with him playing left instead of the four-time Gold Glover.

The bigger question for Happ, though, centers around next season when he becomes eligible for free agency. Would the Cubs bring him back after basically designating him as a platoon player this season? How will this affect his free agent asking price overall? Since Seiya Suzuki will also be a free agent, will this latest development make it more likely that the team picks Suzuki if facing a “can’t sign them both” scenario?

Who makes the new rotation?

In just a matter of a day or so, the Cubs have gone from having a starting pitching deficiency to having a surplus. With Gausman and Holmes moving in, the rotation is now Gausman, Holmes, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and David Peterson. And with Edward Cabrera slotted for his second of three minor league rehab starts on Wednesday, the five-man rotation will soon enough consist of eight pitchers.

Make no mistake about it, having too much starting pitching is a good problem to have. But the situation will require some creative roster management.

Assad and Rea will probably go back to the bullpen first, with Peterson joining them after Cabrera comes back. Then, of course, the bullpen will need to be trimmed to accommodate the three repurposed starting pitchers.

Come playoff time, the real advantage of having a pitching surplus will kick in—unlike last season when the Cubs essentially hobbled into the postseason with two, arguably three, reliable starters.

The post Chicago Cubs: 4 big questions following the trade deadline haul appeared first on ChiCitySports.

For the first time in a long time, the Chicago Cubs approached the MLB trade deadline with the urgency, decisiveness, and financial muscle of a franchise that knows exactly what it is: a big‑market team with big‑market expectations.

And after last year’s passive, frustrating deadline, Jed Hoyer finally delivered the aggressive, targeted action Cubs fans have been waiting for.

This wasn’t a half‑measure. This wasn’t prospect hoarding disguised as prudence. This was a front office acknowledging reality — and acting on it.

Chicago entered deadline day with a rotation stretched to its limits and a bullpen that had been asked to survive far too many high‑leverage innings. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of internal depth made the Cubs one of the clearest “buyer‑needs‑pitching” teams in baseball.

Hoyer responded with exactly the moves a contending team should make: a legitimate starting pitcher to stabilize the rotation and a real bullpen arm capable of handling late‑inning pressure. And they are actual reinforcements.

It all started on Sunday, when they acquired Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for two minor-league hitters, Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene.

Then on Monday, the Cubs were very active in their quest for more pitching. Cubs insider Michael Cerami reported that they acquired starting pitcher Reid Detmers from the Los Angeles Angels. However, it was quickly refuted by ESPN insider Jesse Rogers. They instead acquired LHP Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins in exchange for the minor league 1B Jonathon Long and RHP Jace Beck. 

They still did end up making a deal with the Angels, but instead of Detmers, they acquired hard-throwing reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for catcher/DH Moisés Ballesteros and minor league pitcher Mason McGwire. Hoyer put a finishing touch to the trade deadline by acquiring pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the New York Mets for top prospect Jefferson Rojas.

The front office finally matched the clubhouse’s effort

This Cubs team has flaws, but it also fights. They’ve stayed atop in a crowded NL Wildcard race while battling through injuries and slumps. They’ve shown enough to deserve help. 

On Monday, Hoyer sent a message to the clubhouse: your effort is being rewarded, and your season matters. That’s not something players forget. It’s not something fans forget either. It is night and day from last year’s deadline, when Hoyer largely stood pat despite glaring roster needs. 

But this year, Hoyer acted like an executive who understood what was at stake. Both the front office and the ownership finally acted like a big‑market operation after being criticized in the past. 

Giving up both Ballesteros and Rojas could come back to haunt Hoyer in the future. But he managed to keep Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, and top catching prospect Owen Ayers also.

He could have waited for many pitchers, who are currently on the IL to come back. But he addressed the rotation. He strengthened the bullpen. He treated the deadline like an opportunity and with urgency. 

And that alone marks a meaningful step forward.

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Chicago Cubs fans were not kind to Kyle Tucker in his first return to Wrigley Field after signing on with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason.

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The Wrigley loyal booed the right fielder mercilessly during both pre-game introductions and during his first at bat.

“I tried my hardest last year,” Tucker told The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, referring to the less-than-friendly reception he got at the Friendly Confines. “I tried playing through a hand fracture and calf thing, just trying to get back to the playoffs for them and trying to do what I could to help out the team last year with them.”

The booing managed to make headlines even amid a hectic trade deadline day, a well-received deadline haul by the Cubs, and Chicago’s 10-5 win over the Dodgers.

Why Kyle Tucker got booed

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The Cubs fans’ reaction to their 2025 star right fielder puzzled veteran MLB insider Bruce Levine, who asked sports radio hosts David Haugh and Mike Mulligan of 104.3 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show to explain the “why” behind it.

“Kyle Tucker never really looked like he wanted to be at Wrigley Field…that is the perception,” Haugh said. “He was not somebody who looked like he bought into the Cubs experience…He never looked like he wanted to be here. So, when he returns, ‘boooo.’”

Mulligan then added his perspective.

“They gave him all the love in the world,” he said. “In the first half, he was unbelievable. And they gave him all the love in the world even when things were going wrong and he never seemed to embrace it.”

Signing on with the Dodgers for a very “Dodger-y” four-year, $240 million contract didn’t help Tucker’s public perception any. But the Dodgers contract wasn’t the real reason Tucker got booed by a fan base that usually receives ex-Cubs with open arms.

Tucker did play an instrumental role in the 2025 Cubs’ success in the first half of the season when he served as a linchpin for a Cubs offense that was looking like a juggernaut.

Souring on Tucker

In the second half of the season, though, Tucker had grown ice cold and fans who were previously bullish on getting him extended before he headed out into free agency were suddenly not all that concerned about losing him.

Tucker flat-lined after July 1 and became entrenched in a career-worst extended slump from July to mid-September that led to boos from the normally mega-loyal Wrigley Field fans. Then, just days after seemingly snapping out of his slump, he suffered a calf strain that dragged on for more than three weeks, hobbling him throughout the playoffs and forcing him into a DH-only role.

At the time, there were signs that the Tucker-Cubs relationship was not so harmonious, but nobody really focused on them. For instance, Tucker opting to leave the team for calf treatment in Tampa Bay on the day the Cubs clinched a playoff spot in September raised some eyebrows and brought into question whether Tucker was really interested in being a Cub.

When he was healthy and locked in, Tucker was an incredible boost to the offense. When he wasn’t—like for nearly half the season—he dragged the team down around him. All in all, he just seemed to be fragile, both physically and mentally, prone to long stretches of on-field doldrums that he was slow to snap out of.

And, worst of all for Cubs fans, he never seemed like he cared to be a Cub. That, right there, may be the biggest sin he committed. In the eyes of many, Chicago was just a forced layover en route to bigger things.

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