Cubs shut out Royals 6-0 on July 23, 2025, as Matthew Boyd dominates and Kyle Tucker steals home. See how this aggressive win signals a big deadline splash.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Wrigley Field was buzzing on a perfect summer night, and the Chicago Cubs gave the faithful a glimpse of what could be a very special October. It wasn't just the dominant 6-0 shutout of the Royals; it was *how* they did it. With Matthew Boyd looking like a bona fide ace on the mound and the team running wild on the basepaths, the Cubs showcased a brand of baseball that wins championships. And as it turns out, the front office is busy trying to add even more firepower to the mix.
The Cubs stole six bases in total, including a daring double-steal that saw Kyle Tucker swipe home.
Let's start with the masterpiece on the mound. Matthew Boyd was simply untouchable, carving up the Royals for seven scoreless innings. He scattered six hits and struck out five, earning his 11th win and looking every bit the reliable number two starter the Cubs need. But the real chaos came on the bases. The Cubs ran with pure aggression, swiping six bags against Kansas City. The highlight was a breathtaking double-steal in the seventh inning that saw Kyle Tucker take off from third and slide home safely, capping a three-run rally. Seiya Suzuki also chipped in with a two-hit, RBI performance, as the team manufactured runs early and blew it open late. It was a complete, clinical, and exciting victory.
A win like this only fuels the fire, and reports indicate the Cubs' front office is ready to pour on the gasoline. The word is out: the Cubs are 'all-in' on acquiring a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher before the trade deadline. While dream targets like MacKenzie Gore and Joe Ryan might be too costly, the team is actively exploring more realistic options, with Pirates ace Mitch Keller emerging as a significant name in discussions. The goal is clear: find another elite arm to slot in behind Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd to create a playoff rotation that can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
How can the Cubs afford to be so aggressive at the deadline? The answer lies in their organizational depth. Even after dealing Cam Smith to acquire Kyle Tucker, the Cubs still boast a remarkable seven players in MLB’s Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball. This treasure chest, which includes potential trade chips like outfielder Owen Caissie, gives the front office incredible flexibility. As farm director Jason Kanzler noted, the system is deep enough to either supplement the major league roster directly or be used to acquire the final pieces for a championship puzzle. It's the perfect position to be in: winning now, with the assets to win even bigger.
The Cubs are firing on all cylinders. They're winning games with stellar pitching, smart hitting, and aggressive baserunning. At the same time, the front office is working the phones, leveraging one of baseball's best farm systems to make a strong team even stronger. The message from Clark and Addison is clear: a division title isn't the goal. The goal is a World Series parade, and every move from now until the deadline will be made with that singular vision in mind. Buckle up, Cubs fans. The next week is going to be as exciting as watching Kyle Tucker steal home.
