Moisés Ballesteros's clutch double leads the Cubs to a 10-3 win over the Brewers on July 30. Imanaga shines as Chicago's offense erupts before the trade deadline.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when they needed it most, the Chicago Cubs found their spark. Facing a sweep in Milwaukee, the offense erupted for a 10-3 victory, powered by the unlikeliest of heroes: 21-year-old top prospect Moisés Ballesteros. His bases-clearing double in his first game back in the majors was the decisive blow in a win that not only salvaged the series but set the stage for a dramatic off-day, with the MLB trade deadline looming.
'No one's untouchable... we have a lot of really good prospects and you have to feel like you're getting commensurate value.'
Recalled from Triple-A Iowa just hours before the game, Moisés Ballesteros wasted no time making his presence felt. Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded in the third inning, the rookie catcher laced a double to clear the bases, turning a tight game into a commanding Cubs lead. It was the signature moment in an offensive onslaught that began with a Michael Busch leadoff homer and included multi-RBI games from Dansby Swanson and a late solo shot from Ian Happ. The 10-run outburst was a welcome sight for a team that has been searching for consistency at the plate.
On the mound, Shōta Imanaga delivered the bounce-back performance the Cubs desperately needed. While he surrendered two home runs to William Contreras, Imanaga was otherwise in control over six solid innings. He struck out seven, walked only one, and perhaps most importantly, showed a noticeable uptick in velocity and command. After a few shaky outings, this was the version of Imanaga the Cubs need to anchor the rotation down the stretch, especially with the front office actively shopping for more arms.
With the win securing their position just one game behind the Brewers, the focus now shifts entirely to the front office. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, fresh off signing a multiyear contract extension, has a clear mandate: improve the club for a playoff run. Reports indicate the Cubs are targeting two starting pitchers, a reliever, and an upgrade at third base. However, Hoyer has been clear that high asking prices have prevented a deal so far. As outfielder Ian Happ put it, 'I know that they're going to do everything they can to put the best team together.' The players have Thursday off to watch and wait with the rest of us.
Hoyer's confidence to be aggressive yet prudent stems from the organization's greatest strength: its farm system. Even after dealing prospect Cam Smith to acquire Kyle Tucker, the Cubs boast seven players on MLB's Top 100 list, tied for the most in baseball. This depth, particularly at the upper levels, gives Hoyer the flexibility to make a significant trade without mortgaging the entire future. It's the reason he can demand 'commensurate value' for his top prospects, knowing he has the assets to get a deal done if the right one materializes.
The Cubs did their job on the field, delivering a statement win to stay hot on the Brewers' heels. Now, the pressure is squarely on Jed Hoyer and the front office. With the trade deadline set for Thursday afternoon, the next 24 hours will determine what this roster looks like for the final two months of a thrilling NL Central race. The pieces are in place for a deep run; the question is whether management will add the final reinforcements needed to get them over the top.
