Cubs crush Reds 13-4 on July 31, 2025, with huge games from Seiya Suzuki & Cody Bellinger. Plus, Jed Hoyer lands pitcher Michael Soroka in a trade.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. As the clock ticks towards the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs sent a resounding message on Thursday, both on the field and from the front office. While the offense was busy dismantling the Reds in a 13-4 slugfest, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer was busy landing much-needed pitching help, acquiring right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals. It was a one-two punch of present-day dominance and future-focused ambition, proving the Cubs are serious contenders for the NL Central crown.
No one's untouchable... But at the same time, we have a lot of really good prospects and you have to feel like you're getting commensurate value.
The Cubs' bats were simply on fire in Cincinnati. The team racked up a staggering 17 hits, including nine doubles, overwhelming Reds starter Nick Lodolo from the jump. By the time the third inning was over, the Cubs had a commanding 6-0 lead and never looked back. Seiya Suzuki was a force, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and 3 RBI, while Cody Bellinger (2 doubles, 2 RBI) and Dansby Swanson (3 hits, 2 RBI) added to the barrage. The offensive explosion provided more than enough support for Kyle Hendricks, who pitched effectively to earn his third win of the season. It was the kind of complete, dominant performance that shows this team has the firepower to make a deep run.
While the team was winning on the field, Jed Hoyer, fresh off a multiyear contract extension, addressed the team's most pressing need: starting pitching. The Cubs acquired RHP Michael Soroka from the Nationals in exchange for shortstop prospect Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin. Soroka provides critical depth to a rotation that has been searching for stability. While giving up prospects always stings, this was a necessary move for a team with clear postseason aspirations. As manager Craig Counsell said, 'You’ve got to be responsible to this team and the future of the Cubs, and he’s working hard at it.' This trade is a direct result of that hard work.
How can the Cubs afford to make moves for stars like Kyle Tucker and starters like Michael Soroka? The answer lies in their incredibly deep farm system. Even after trading away several prospects, the Cubs still boast seven players on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, tied for the most in baseball. This embarrassment of riches gives Hoyer the flexibility to improve the major league club without mortgaging the entire future. As farm director Jason Kanzler noted, having so many big-league-ready players in the high minors is a huge asset at the deadline. It's the engine that's fueling this playoff push.
The pitching help doesn't stop with Soroka. Right-hander Javier Assad took another positive step in his recovery, making a solid rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. Assad struck out two over 3 2/3 innings, showing improved stuff. His eventual return to the big-league roster will provide another valuable arm for Craig Counsell to deploy, whether in the rotation or the bullpen. Between the trade for Soroka and Assad's imminent return, the Cubs' pitching staff is suddenly looking much deeper for the final two months of the season.
Thursday was a statement day for the Chicago Cubs. They dominated a division rival and made a key acquisition to bolster their pitching staff. But the work isn't done. With the trade deadline looming, Hoyer still has time to address other needs, potentially at third base or in the outfield. One thing is clear: the front office is rewarding this team's performance with a clear commitment to winning now. Fasten your seatbelts, Cubs fans. The next 24 hours, and the rest of the season, are going to be a thrilling ride.
