The Brewers homer past the Cubs 8-4 on July 29, 2025, to take the NL Central lead. Despite offense from Suzuki, Christian Yelich's HR proved decisive. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tough pill to swallow in Milwaukee. The Cubs jumped out to an early lead on Tuesday, looking poised to solidify their spot atop the NL Central, only to watch the Brewers launch three home runs and rally for an 8-4 victory. Just like that, the one-game lead is gone, and the Cubs find themselves looking up at their rivals in the standings.
With seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, the Cubs are tied for the most in all of baseball, providing a deep well of talent for the future... and perhaps the present.
The night started with so much promise. The Cubs tagged Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski for three early runs, building a lead that felt comfortable. But the Crew's bats came alive. Andrew Vaughn, Sal Frelick, and Christian Yelich all went deep, erasing the Cubs' advantage and putting the game out of reach. While Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki continue their stellar offensive seasons, the bullpen couldn't slam the door, and Milwaukee's late power surge proved to be the difference maker.
While the loss stings, it's crucial to remember the bigger picture. The organization's health is robust, thanks to a farm system that remains the envy of baseball. According to the latest rankings, the Cubs boast seven prospects in MLB's Top 100, a figure no other team can top. Farm director Jason Kanzler has cultivated a deep pool of talent, especially at the upper levels, with names like Owen Caissie, Moisés Ballesteros, and Jefferson Rojas knocking on the door.
This impressive prospect depth isn't just about tomorrow; it's about today. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs' front office has a wealth of options. Do they call up a high-impact bat like Owen Caissie to energize the lineup? Or do they package some of that talent to acquire a much-needed arm? As analyst Keith Law noted, while the system is loaded with position players, it's a bit thin on pitching. This loss to the Brewers might just be the catalyst that forces the front office to make a move for the stretch run.
One game does not define a season. The Cubs are still a formidable 62-44, and this race for the NL Central crown is far from over. The immediate focus shifts to bouncing back and reclaiming the top spot from Milwaukee. But with a powerful offense, a deep farm system, and critical decisions on the horizon, the next few days could shape the rest of the Cubs' 2025 campaign. It's time to see what this team is truly made of.
