Cubs fall to Reds on Aug 4, 2025, but debut new acquisitions Michael Soroka and Willi Castro. Get the full recap of the game and the new-look roster.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of mixed emotions at the Friendly Confines. While the Cubs dropped a tough series opener to the division-rival Reds, the real story on Monday was the arrival of the cavalry. Newly acquired starter Michael Soroka made his much-anticipated debut on the mound and trade-deadline pickup Willi Castro slotted right into the lineup, signaling a clear all-in message from the front office as the playoff push heats up.
Let's keep pushing!
The final score wasn't what the Wrigley faithful hoped for, as Reds lefty Nick Lodolo got the better of the North Siders. Making his first start in a Cubs uniform after coming over from Washington, Michael Soroka battled but the offense couldn't provide enough support. The lineup featured a new look with Willi Castro in center field, joining regulars like Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki. The loss stings, dropping the Cubs to 65-46, but it was just the first round of a crucial three-game set against Cincinnati.
The new faces in the dugout weren't just a mirage. The Cubs officially bolstered their roster for the stretch run, acquiring versatile infielder Willi Castro from the Twins and hard-throwing righty Dustin May from the Dodgers. To get the deals done, the Cubs parted with prospects Sam Armstrong, Ryan Gallagher, Zach Ehrhard, and James Tibbs III. Castro made an immediate impact, starting in center field and giving manager Craig Counsell another valuable, flexible piece for a roster gearing up for October.
Worried that the trades depleted the farm? Think again. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker earlier this season and moving four more prospects at the deadline, the Cubs' system remains elite. The organization still boasts seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, tied for the most in baseball. Farm director Jason Kanzler emphasized the system's strength, particularly at Double-A and Triple-A. The talent pipeline is still flowing, evidenced by the announcement of July's minor league hitters of the month, which included promising first baseman Edgar Alvarez.
Beyond the major league shakeup, the Cubs were busy restocking the lower levels of the minors, signing a massive class of 23 rookie-level players to fill out the system. To make room, the team parted ways with a few familiar minor league arms, releasing RHPs Cayne Ueckert and LHPs Jacob Brentz and Brandon Hughes. These moves represent the constant churn required to keep the player development pipeline healthy for years to come.
One loss doesn't define a season, especially when the front office has just pushed all its chips in. With Soroka, Castro, and May now in the fold, the Cubs have the reinforcements they need. The focus now shifts to taking the next two from the Reds and closing the gap on Milwaukee. The stretch run is officially on, and this revamped Cubs team is built for the fight.
