Despite a 40-24 record, the Cubs are eyeing major trade deadline moves after injuries to Justin Steele & Shota Imanaga. See who they're targeting in June 2025.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a great day to be a Cubs fan. The team is sitting pretty atop the NL Central with a stellar 40-24 record and the best run differential in all of baseball. But this front office isn't just content with being good; they're aiming for legendary. As the team preps for a crucial series finale in Detroit, the biggest buzz is coming from off the field, with reports suggesting the Cubs are about to make a major splash at the trade deadline to fortify this roster for a deep October run.
The Cubs boast the highest run differential in MLB at +109, yet are reportedly looking to be one of the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Cubs are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams leading up to the July trade deadline. And why not? When you're this good, you push your chips to the center of the table. The front office is reportedly targeting both front-line starting pitching and high-leverage bullpen arms. This isn't about patching holes; it's about adding elite talent to an already elite core.
The front office's aggressive stance is fueled by necessity. The devastating news of Justin Steele's season-ending elbow injury left a massive void at the top of the rotation. Compounding that, rookie sensation Shota Imanaga is currently on the injured list with a hamstring issue. While the offense has been clicking, the bullpen could also use a boost. Despite a solid walk rate, the relief corps has the third-lowest strikeout rate in the majors (19.7%), highlighting a need for pitchers who can generate more swing-and-miss in critical situations.
While the trade talk is exciting, the business at hand is in Detroit. Today, the Cubs face the AL Central-leading Tigers (42-24) in the rubber match of a fascinating interleague series. After dropping the opener, the Cubs roared back with a dominant 6-1 victory on Saturday to even the series. A win today against another first-place club would be a huge statement and a perfect way to cap off the week, proving that even with some adversity, this team is a force to be reckoned with, day in and day out.
Today's game is a test, but the bigger picture is crystal clear: The Chicago Cubs are not satisfied. They are a championship-caliber team looking to seal the deal. As we watch them battle the Tigers, keep one eye on the field and the other on the front office. The next few weeks leading up to the trade deadline promise to be as thrilling as the pennant race itself. Buckle up.
