The Cubs fell 12-5 to the White Sox on July 25, 2025, as Shota Imanaga struggled. With the team out of first place, can Jed Hoyer make a trade in time?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another trip to the South Side, another frustrating result. The Cubs' 12-5 drubbing at the hands of the White Sox on Friday night wasn't just a single loss in the Crosstown Classic; it was a symptom of a larger issue. With their third straight defeat, the Cubs have officially tumbled out of first place in the NL Central, amplifying the urgency for a front office that now has less than a week to provide reinforcements.
The Cubs have now lost four of their last five games, falling one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead.
The game felt out of reach almost immediately. Starter Shota Imanaga, typically a beacon of stability, was rocked for five runs in the first two innings and couldn't make it out of the third. The bullpen offered little relief, as the White Sox piled on to the tune of 12 runs on 18 hits. The lone bright spot for the North Siders was catcher Reece McGuire, who single-handedly produced the offense with a three-run homer and an RBI single, finishing with a three-hit night in an otherwise forgettable team performance.
With the team's recent slide exposing clear needs, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is reportedly working the phones aggressively. According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are in the market for a backup outfielder, a third baseman, and, most critically, one or two pitchers. Names like Eugenio Suárez have been floated as potential targets. Fans should expect a flurry of activity, as the front office is reportedly looking to make three or four additions before the July 31 deadline.
Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith to acquire Kyle Tucker, the Cubs' farm system remains a key asset. The organization still boasts seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, tied for the most in baseball. This depth, particularly at Double-A and Triple-A, gives Hoyer significant flexibility. He can either use these prized prospects as trade chips to land established big-league talent or call upon them to provide a spark from within.
The Cubs will look to halt their skid tonight with one of their top young arms on the mound. Prized rookie Cade Horton (3-3, 4.04 ERA) gets the start, facing off against the White Sox's Aaron Civale. The lineup will have a slightly different look, with Carson Kelly handling catching duties and Matt Shaw getting the nod at third base. A strong performance from Horton could be the stabilizing force the team desperately needs to even the series and regain some momentum.
The next five days will define the Cubs' 2025 season. Tonight's game offers a chance for immediate redemption on the field, but all eyes are on Jed Hoyer's front office. With the team stumbling and the deadline ticking, the pressure is on to make the right moves to transform this talented but flawed club into a true contender.
