Matthew Boyd's dominant 7 shutout innings led the Cubs to a 6-0 win over the Royals on July 23, 2025. See how his masterpiece impacts the Cubs' deadline plans.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights at Wrigley just feel different. Tuesday was one of them. Under the lights, Matthew Boyd wasn't just pitching; he was conducting a symphony of strikeouts and weak contact, leading the Cubs to a decisive 6-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The win snapped a frustrating two-game skid, but more importantly, it served as a powerful reminder of what this team is capable of, right as the biggest decisions of the season loom on the horizon.
23 consecutive scoreless innings. That's not a typo. That's the otherworldly streak Matthew Boyd is currently on.
Making his first start since his All-Star Game appearance, Matthew Boyd was simply untouchable. He mowed down the first 11 Royals he faced and carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning. By the time he walked off the mound after seven shutout frames, the game was firmly in hand. The offense provided more than enough support, and the win pushed the Cubs to a stellar 60-41 record. It was the kind of complete, dominant performance that makes you believe this team can beat anyone.
While Boyd was dealing on the North Side, the buzz around the organization is the incredible depth bubbling up from the minors. Even after sending Cam Smith to Houston for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs' farm is the envy of baseball, boasting seven Top 100 prospects. According to farm director Jason Kanzler, the talent concentrated at Double-A and Triple-A gives the front office immense 'flexibility.' That's front-office speak for having a war chest of assets as the trade deadline clock ticks down. These aren't just lottery tickets; they're near-MLB-ready players who could help another team win now.
Here's the multi-million dollar question Jed Hoyer's front office is wrestling with: do you cash in some of those blue-chip prospects for another impact piece? While the Cubs have needs, contending teams are hesitant to move top prospects at the deadline. Rival GMs will undoubtedly ask for the high-ceiling youngsters, but the Cubs are rightfully protective of players like No. 1 prospect Owen Caissie. With the uncertainty of Kyle Tucker's impending free agency, holding onto a potential replacement like Caissie is not just smart, it's essential for long-term health. It's a classic battle between winning today and ensuring you can keep winning tomorrow.
With the series against the Royals on the line in Wednesday's matinee, the Cubs have a chance to build more momentum. But the real drama is happening off the field. Every dominant start from Boyd, every big win, only increases the pressure and the temptation to make a blockbuster move. The next week will define not just the 2025 season, but the direction of the franchise for years to come. Buckle up.
