On July 7, 2025, All-Star Matthew Boyd dominated the Cardinals with 9 K's as the Cubs rolled to an 11-0 victory. Are the 2016 vibes back in Chicago?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There are days at the Friendly Confines that just feel different. Sunday was one of them. Hours after being named a first-time All-Star, Matthew Boyd took the mound and delivered an absolute gem, mowing down the Cardinals as the offense exploded in an 11-0 rout. It was a complete, cathartic victory that has the whole city buzzing and asking one question: are the 2016 vibes officially back?
With an offense averaging over five runs per game and a bullpen ERA of 3.27, the 2025 Cubs are drawing legitimate comparisons to the 2016 World Series champions.
What a way to celebrate. Matthew Boyd got the news of his first career All-Star nod and immediately showed why he deserved it. He was simply untouchable against St. Louis, striking out nine batters over five masterful, shutout innings. Boyd, who has been a revelation for a rotation in need of stability, now boasts an ERA just over 3.00 on the season. He's been the steady hand this team desperately needed, especially with the inconsistency and injuries that have plagued other starters.
While Boyd was dealing, the bats were booming. The Cubs hung 11 runs on their archrivals, showcasing the kind of deep, relentless lineup that Jed Hoyer envisioned. Kyle Tucker, the prize of the offseason, continued his torrid pace, pushing his average to .301, and it felt like everyone got in on the action. This offensive firepower is no fluke. As noted by analysts on Marquee, the team is mirroring the 2016 champs' run production, making them a threat to score in bunches every single night.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this team's 12-9 start is that it's sustainable. The Kyle Tucker trade cost the Cubs top prospect Cam Smith, but the farm is still bursting with talent. Farm director Jason Kanzler recently confirmed the system still boasts seven Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball. With players like future third baseman Matt Shaw knocking on the door and incredible depth at Double-A and Triple-A, the Cubs have the assets to either call up reinforcements or swing another impact trade before the deadline. They're winning now without mortgaging the entire future.
It's not all perfect, of course. The starting rotation as a whole still has questions to answer, ranking 19th in MLB with a 4.17 ERA. Shota Imanaga's hamstring issue and the reliance on rookies like Cade Horton highlight the unit's fragility. However, the bullpen has been lights out, posting a stellar 3.27 ERA and converting eight of nine save opportunities in May. If the starters can find consistency to match the bullpen's dominance and the offense's power, this team's ceiling is limitless.
Sunday's win was more than just a notch in the standings; it was a declaration. This Cubs team has the talent, the depth, and the swagger of a contender. With a blend of celebrated veterans, emerging stars, and a pipeline of top prospects ready to contribute, the summer on the North Side is shaping up to be one to remember. The pieces are all there for a special run.
