The Cubs lost a 14-6 slugfest to the Cardinals on June 23, 2025. Kyle Tucker stayed hot, but can the pitching recover to protect their playoff spot?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, that one hurt. Monday night in St. Louis felt like a heavyweight bout where the Cubs' pitching staff forgot to put their gloves up. A 14-6 drubbing at the hands of the rival Cardinals is a tough pill to swallow, extending the team's current losing streak to two games. While the offense showed some life, it was no match for the onslaught from our friends down I-55.
Despite the two-game skid, the Cubs still hold a commanding 46-31 record and a firm grip on a playoff spot.
There's no sugarcoating it: giving up 14 runs is a recipe for disaster. The Cubs' hurlers were hit hard and early, putting the team in a hole they couldn't climb out of. The offense battled to put six runs on the board, but every time they seemed to gain a foothold, the Cardinals answered with another rally. The loss drops the Cubs to a still-impressive 46-31, but it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the NL Central.
Even on a dark night, Kyle Tucker remains a beacon of light. The slugger, acquired in that blockbuster deal earlier this season, continues to be a force in the middle of the lineup. Entering the game with a stellar .289/.397/.579 slash line, his consistent production is a major reason the Cubs are in such a strong position. It's no surprise that fans and peers are taking notice, as Tucker, alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Kelly, officially advanced to Phase 2 of the All-Star voting. It's time to stuff the ballot box!
After a game where the pitching was porous, the best news of the day came from the trainer's room. Lefty ace Shota Imanaga, who has been sidelined with a left hamstring injury, is slated to make his much-anticipated return to the rotation next week. His presence will be a massive boost for a staff that has looked vulnerable lately. Getting Imanaga back to anchor the rotation is the single biggest move the Cubs can make without picking up the phone for a trade.
While the big-league club took a hit, the organization's foundation remains rock solid. Farm director Jason Kanzler recently emphasized the system's depth, and for good reason. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs still boast an incredible seven players in baseball's Top 100. This embarrassment of riches, with many prospects knocking on the door at Double-A and Triple-A, gives the front office immense flexibility as the trade deadline inches closer.
One lopsided loss to a rival never feels good, but let's keep things in perspective. The Cubs are 46-31, firmly in a playoff spot, and about to get their ace back. With a farm system brimming with talent and multiple All-Star candidates, the building blocks for a deep October run are all here. It's time to shake this one off, win the series in St. Louis, and get ready for Imanaga's return.
