Cubs crush Astros 12-3 on June 28, 2025, as Kyle Tucker homers against his old team. Can Chicago win the series vs. Framber Valdez? Recap & Sunday preview.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
After putting on an absolute fireworks show Saturday night, the Chicago Cubs are back at it this afternoon in Houston, looking to clinch a statement series win against the Astros. The vibes are immaculate following a 12-3 drubbing, led by none other than former Astro Kyle Tucker. Now, they face a true test in Astros ace Framber Valdez, setting the stage for a compelling Sunday showdown.
'I think it's generally a good thing and I think it speaks to the strength of our Major League team that we have, essentially, some blockades.' - Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler on the team's prospect depth.
You couldn't have scripted Saturday's game any better. In a sweet piece of revenge, Kyle Tucker, acquired from Houston in that blockbuster trade, went off against his old club. Tucker launched a three-run homer and tallied four hits, scoring four times to power the Cubs' 12-3 victory. The offense was relentless, with Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch, and Nico Hoerner all going deep. The fourth inning was pure magic, featuring back-to-back jacks from Busch and Hoerner before Tucker delivered the crushing three-run blow. While Colin Rea pitched a solid five innings for the win, the story was the bats coming alive to snap Houston's five-game winning streak in spectacular fashion.
With the series on the line, the Cubs turn to Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.47 ERA) for the Sunday finale. Taillon will look to build on the momentum from Saturday's win, but he'll have his work cut out for him against one of the American League's best. The Astros are sending lefty Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA) to the mound in an effort to salvage the series. It's a classic matchup: can the Cubs' hot bats stay disciplined and productive against a top-tier pitcher, or will Valdez play stopper? This game will be a great barometer for the team's offensive consistency.
While the big-league club is battling in Houston, the future continues to look incredibly bright. The Cubs' farm system is still considered one of the best in baseball, boasting seven players on MLB's Top 100 prospect lists. According to farm director Jason Kanzler, the fact that top prospects are being 'blocked' by successful major leaguers is a sign of organizational strength. This embarrassment of riches not only provides a safety net for the current roster but also serves as powerful currency as the trade deadline looms. Whether these players become future Cubs stars or key pieces in a trade for a big acquisition, the system is a massive asset.
As the Cubs battle to take the series from a tough Astros team, the bigger picture remains incredibly bright. With an offense that can explode at any moment and a farm system bursting with talent, the front office has a wealth of options as the trade deadline approaches. Winning this series would be a statement, but the foundation for a competitive summer and beyond is already firmly in place.
