On July 28, 2025, the Cubs extended Jed Hoyer's contract before battling the Brewers for first place. Who will take the lead in the crucial NL Central series?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a massive vote of confidence that reverberated from the front office to the clubhouse, the Chicago Cubs locked up President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer with a multiyear extension on Monday. The message was clear: the architect of this contending team is here to stay. That stability couldn't have come at a more crucial time, as the Cubs (62-43) immediately traveled to Milwaukee to open a pivotal three-game series against the Brewers (62-43), with sole possession of first place on the line.
With both teams knotted at 62-43, this isn't just a series; it's a battle for the soul of the NL Central.
Jed Hoyer's contract was set to expire after this season, creating a potential distraction for a team in the thick of a pennant race. The new multiyear deal, announced today, erases any uncertainty about the team's leadership. Since taking over in November 2020, Hoyer has navigated a complex rebuild, restocking the farm system while building the competitive big-league roster we see today. This extension is a reward for that success and a signal that ownership believes in his vision for sustained winning on the North Side.
The ink on Hoyer's deal was barely dry as the Cubs took the field at American Family Field for game one of a series that could define the division race. With both clubs deadlocked for the top spot, the atmosphere was electric. The Cubs sent veteran lefty Matthew Boyd to the mound to face the Brewers' hard-throwing righty, Jacob Misiorowski. All eyes were on the Cubs' potent offense, led by the power duo of Pete Crow-Armstrong (27 HR) and Seiya Suzuki (26 HR), to set the tone early in this high-stakes matchup.
Hoyer's first major test under his new contract is already here. Reports surfaced Monday that the Cubs are deep in talks with the Miami Marlins for talented pitcher Edward Cabrera. However, the price is steep. The Marlins are demanding a package including two of the Cubs' top prospects, outfielder Owen Caissie and pitcher Jaxon Wiggins. The Cubs are reportedly, and rightfully, hesitant to part with both. It's the classic deadline conundrum: how much of the future are you willing to sacrifice for a better chance to win now? Hoyer's decision here will be telling.
The debate over trading prospects is complicated by the fact that the farm system is showing new signs of life. MLB Pipeline's updated Top 30 list featured infielder Pedro Ramirez and righty Ryan Gallagher as significant risers, proving the system has depth beyond the household names. This emerging talent makes trades more difficult but also shows the organization is healthy. It's a strength reflected in the big-league club's 'Summer Score' of 92, tied for the best in the NL, a metric that confirms what fans already know: this team is one of the league's elite contenders.
Monday was a microcosm of the 2025 Cubs: celebrating stability, facing a monumental on-field challenge, and wrestling with franchise-altering decisions. With Hoyer secured for the long haul, the focus shifts squarely to the field in Milwaukee and the trade negotiations behind the scenes. The next 72 hours could very well determine the trajectory of the Cubs' season and their path to October.
