The Cubs start their August 2025 pennant race vs. the Orioles, just one game back. With Hoyer extended, can Crow-Armstrong & Suzuki lead them to victory?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome to August, Cubs fans. The air at Wrigley is thick with anticipation as the calendar flips to the season's final stretch. With a 63-45 record and a one-game winning streak in hand, the North Siders kicked off a crucial series against the Baltimore Orioles just a single game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central crown. Every pitch matters now.
'No one's untouchable... but at the same time, we have a lot of really good prospects and you have to feel like you're getting commensurate value.' - Jed Hoyer
The battle for the division is officially a two-month sprint, and the Cubs are positioned perfectly. As they host the Orioles, the offense, powered by the dynamic bats of Pete Crow-Armstrong (27 HR) and Seiya Suzuki (81 RBI), looks to set the tone for the series. FanGraphs has the team's playoff odds at a staggering 94.7%, but as every fan knows, the only number that matters is the one in the win column. The pressure is on, and this weekend series is the first major test of the month.
While the players battle on the field, the front office made a massive statement this week by signing President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer to a multiyear contract extension. The move solidifies the leadership that has built this contender and provides stability through the upcoming trade deadline. Hoyer's philosophy is clear: add the necessary pieces—he's targeting two starters, a reliever, and a third baseman—without gutting the future. His recent comments underscore a disciplined aggression, a willingness to deal but not to overpay, ensuring the Cubs' window of contention stays open for years.
Hoyer's confidence is backed by one of the league's elite farm systems. Even after dealing top prospect Cam Smith to Houston in the Kyle Tucker deal, the Cubs still boast an incredible seven players on MLB's Top 100 list. This organizational depth is the ultimate trade chip, allowing Hoyer to pursue significant upgrades without selling the farm. It's the 'sustainable success' the front office has preached, and it's now paying dividends, giving the Cubs the flexibility to bolster the big-league club for a deep postseason run.
The stage is set for a memorable month. On one track, the Cubs are in a dogfight for the division, with every game carrying immense weight. On the other, Jed Hoyer is on the clock, working the phones to find the final pieces for a championship puzzle. Hold on tight, because the ride through August and into October is just getting started.
