The White Sox crushed the Cubs 12-5 on July 26, 2025, as ace Shota Imanaga imploded. With the trade deadline near, what's next for the Cubs' rotation?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some losses just feel different. Saturday night's 12-5 drubbing at the hands of the White Sox wasn't just another tick in the loss column; it was a blaring alarm bell. On a night when the Cubs needed their ace to set the tone, Shota Imanaga endured the worst start of his season, and the subsequent bullpen collapse exposed every crack in the team's pitching armor, dropping the North Siders a full game behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.
We just couldn't keep the ball in the park tonight, and they made us pay for every mistake.
The box score tells a brutal story. Shota Imanaga, the rock of the rotation for most of 2025, was hit hard and often, surrendering a shocking 9 earned runs on 13 hits in just four innings. The White Sox teed off, with catcher Jeferson Quero going 4-for-5 and Andrew Vaughn adding to the damage with a two-run homer. The Cubs' offense, while not silent, simply couldn't keep pace. Pete Crow-Armstrong launched his 27th homer and Seiya Suzuki chipped in an RBI double, but it was nowhere near enough to overcome the pitching catastrophe.
This loss feels like a tipping point. With the trade deadline fast approaching, a performance like this forces the front office's hand. Manager Craig Counsell's post-game comment that the team would 'evaluate the rotation' is manager-speak for 'we need help, and we need it now.' The bullpen didn't fare much better, allowing another three runs to pour salt in the wound. The fan frustration on social media is palpable, with many calling for immediate action. The question is no longer *if* the Cubs will make a move, but how significant it will be.
Fortunately, the Cubs have the assets to make a deal. Despite trading Cam Smith earlier this season, the farm system remains elite, tied for the most prospects in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 with seven. As farm director Jason Kanzler noted, other teams 'will probably want some guys that are big league ready,' and the Cubs have a surplus of them at Triple-A. This deep pool of talent is the team's greatest bargaining chip. Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins can now leverage these prospects to acquire the impact arm—or arms—needed to stabilize the staff for a deep playoff run.
In the midst of the wreckage, Pete Crow-Armstrong continued his incredible breakout season. His two-run homer was a laser, his 27th of the year, pushing his RBI total to 74. While the team struggled, PCA solidified his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. His combination of Gold Glove-caliber defense and newfound power makes him one of the most valuable center fielders in the game. It's a reminder that even on the worst nights, the future—and present—is bright for some key pieces of this roster.
One game, even a blowout loss to a rival, doesn't define a season. But this one certainly framed the narrative for the coming days. The Cubs will look to salvage the series tomorrow, but all eyes are now on the front office. With a potent offense and a treasure chest of prospects, the path to fixing the pitching is clear. The clock is ticking, and the next few days will determine whether the 2025 Cubs are true contenders or a team that couldn't plug the holes in time.
