Cubs top Guardians 5-2 on July 1, 2025, reaching 50 wins behind Matthew Boyd & Seiya Suzuki. As the team celebrates, blockbuster trade rumors swirl.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another win. The Chicago Cubs dispatched the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 on Tuesday night, notching their 50th victory of the season and tightening their grip on the NL Central. But as the Wrigley faithful celebrated another solid performance, the real story is brewing behind the scenes. With the trade deadline looming, the Cubs are no longer just a good team; they're a team looking to make a championship-caliber leap.
Over the last 10 games, the Cubs have averaged 5.7 runs and hit 21 home runs, but their team ERA has climbed to 5.02.
The on-field action was a textbook Cubs victory. Matthew Boyd was masterful, earning his eighth win with an efficient outing. The offense provided early support with a three-run second inning and never looked back, tacking on insurance runs late. The lineup collected 10 hits, with stalwarts Seiya Suzuki and Kyle Tucker continuing their hot streaks. Tucker extended his hitting streak to three games, while Suzuki remains the team's engine, leading in both home runs (23) and RBIs (70). Daniel Palencia closed the door for his ninth save, sealing the 50-35 record.
The win is great, but the front office is clearly thinking bigger. Reports have surfaced linking the Cubs to significant upgrades at third base, a position they're looking to solidify for a deep playoff run. They're not alone, with contenders like the Reds and Mariners also in the market. More tantalizing are the whispers connecting the Cubs to Miami's ace, Sandy Alcantara. The prospect of adding a pitcher of his caliber, who would benefit immensely from the elite infield defense of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, is the kind of move that turns a division leader into a World Series favorite.
How can the Cubs afford such luxuries? By having one of the best farm systems in baseball. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith to land Kyle Tucker, the organization remains flush with talent. Farm director Jason Kanzler recently noted the system's depth, boasting seven Top 100 prospects ready to contribute or be used as trade capital. The strength of the system was just validated again, with outfielder Owen Caissie (his second straight selection) and hard-throwing pitcher Jaxon Wiggins being named to the NL All-Star Futures Game. This depth gives the front office the ultimate flexibility to either promote from within or swing a deal for a game-changing star.
The current atmosphere is drawing comparisons to a legendary season. On Marquee Sports Network, analysts Elise Menaker and Jason Kipnis broke down the similarities between this 2025 squad and the 2016 World Series champions. They pointed to the blend of homegrown talent, savvy veteran leadership, and impactful trade acquisitions as a familiar recipe for success. With a strong clubhouse culture and a knack for winning, this team isn't just putting up numbers; they're building the kind of momentum that feels special.
The Cubs are in an enviable position: comfortably leading their division while possessing the assets to get even better. The win against Cleveland was just another step, but the real test lies in the weeks ahead. Will the front office pull the trigger on a major trade? Securing their 50th win before the All-Star break is a milestone, but this team, and its fans, are clearly hungry for much more.
