As the 2025 trade deadline nears, Jed Hoyer's Cubs plan an aggressive overhaul to chase the NL Central, targeting pitching after injuries to Steele & Taillon.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The air around Wrigleyville is thick with anticipation, and it's not just for tonight's game against the Royals. With the Chicago Cubs locked in a dead heat with the Brewers for the NL Central crown, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has made the team's intentions crystal clear: the Cubs are buyers, and they're preparing to be aggressive. As the trade deadline looms, the focus shifts from the daily grind to the franchise-altering moves that could define their 2025 season.
The Cubs have seven players in the MLB Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball, giving them the ammunition to make a significant move.
The urgency for a big move is born from necessity. The pitching staff has been hit hard, with ace Justin Steele tragically out for the season and Jameson Taillon sidelined for several weeks. This leaves a gaping hole in the rotation and a need for bullpen reinforcements. On the offensive side, the experiment at third base has yielded lackluster results. While rookie Matt Shaw has shown flashes, the position has been a black hole for power, prompting the front office to seek an experienced, impact bat to solidify the lineup for the stretch run.
Fortunately, the Cubs are shopping from a position of strength. While recent rankings from outlets like Bleacher Report show a dip to No. 16, that's largely due to the successful graduation of top talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton to the majors. The system remains one of baseball's elite, boasting a league-best seven prospects in MLB Pipeline's Top 100. With Moises Ballesteros now leading the charge and most of the top talent being MLB-ready position players, Hoyer has a wealth of assets. Names like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara are frequently mentioned as high-value pieces that could headline a package for a top-tier starting pitcher or a slugging third baseman.
While the front office plays high-stakes poker, the team on the field has a job to do. Tonight, they host the Kansas City Royals at the Friendly Confines. At 59-40, every single game matters in the tight race with Milwaukee. The offense will look to slugger Seiya Suzuki, who is having a monster year with 26 homers and 80 RBIs, to lead the way. A victory tonight not only keeps pace in the division but also reinforces the message to the front office that this team is worth betting on.
The next ten days will be a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. Who will the Cubs land? What will it cost? While we wait for the answers, the mission on the field remains simple: win. The moves made between now and the deadline will likely determine whether the Cubs are celebrating a division title or lamenting what could have been. With a clear need, valuable assets, and a mandate to be bold, all eyes are on Jed Hoyer to make the splash this team needs for a memorable October.
