The Cubs cap a stellar first half by beating the Yankees 4-1, led by Shōta Imanaga & Dansby Swanson. See how their 2025 All-Star break position sets them up.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a way to head into the All-Star break. By marching into Yankee Stadium and taking two of three from the pinstripes, the Chicago Cubs didn't just cap a fantastic first half—they sent a message. With a 57-39 record and a firm grip on first place in the NL Central, the vibes are immaculate. But as the bats and gloves go quiet for a few days, the front office is just getting warmed up, armed with one of the most enviable farm systems in all of baseball.
The Cubs still have seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, tied for the most in baseball, providing a war chest of assets as the trade deadline approaches.
Sunday's 4-1 victory was a microcosm of what's made this Cubs team so successful. Shōta Imanaga was simply masterful, looking every bit the ace as he carved up the Yankee lineup and retired 11 straight at one point. The offense provided the juice, starting with Michael Busch's leadoff home run to immediately quiet the New York crowd. But the big blow came from Dansby Swanson, whose sixth-inning, two-run shot proved to be the game-winner, a clutch hit from a team leader. Add in a hot-hitting Carson Kelly and a key defensive play from Seiya Suzuki, and you have the recipe for a statement win to close out a stellar 96-game stretch.
While the big-league club celebrates, the real story might be brewing behind the scenes. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs' farm system remains an absolute powerhouse, ranked No. 8 in baseball. More importantly, they boast a league-best seven Top 100 prospects. Farm director Jason Kanzler wasn't shy about the situation, noting the 'blockades' at the MLB level for many of these nearly-ready players. This isn't a problem; it's leverage. With six of those top prospects being position players, Jed Hoyer has the chips to make a major splash at the trade deadline to address any need that arises.
The commitment to building a sustainable winner was on display again this week as the Cubs added to their pitching depth by drafting Florida lefty Pierce Coppola in the seventh round. Coppola, who overcame injuries to post a 2.53 ERA, is another high-upside arm for the system. This constant reloading is what allows the front office to be aggressive. The question every Cubs fan is asking is: Will they use this incredible prospect depth to acquire that final piece? Whether it's another bullpen arm to support a staff with a 3.84 ERA or another impact bat, the Cubs are in the driver's seat. They have the wins on the board and the assets in the minors.
The first half was a resounding success, proving the Cubs are legitimate contenders. They enter the break on top of the division and with a clear identity. Now, all eyes turn to the front office. The next few weeks will determine if this very good team has what it takes to become a great one, with the potential for a trade deadline that could define their October fate.
