Seiya Suzuki hit two homers, but the Cubs fell to the Mariners 14-6 on June 24, 2025. Despite the loss, Suzuki's power surge keeps Chicago in contention.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Wrigley Field felt more like a launching pad than a ballpark this weekend, and unfortunately, the Cubs came out on the wrong end of a 14-6 slugfest against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. While the loss stings, capping a series that saw an incredible 21 home runs leave the yard, the thunder from Seiya Suzuki's bat provided a powerful silver lining on a tough day for the North Siders.
The Cubs still have seven players ranked in the Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball.
The final game against Seattle was a wild one. Though the Cubs showed fight, with Kyle Tucker and Reese McGuire joining the home run party, they could never quite catch up. Starter Colin Rea took the loss after a first-inning two-run shot set the tone. Chicago clawed back to make it 5-4 in the fifth, but a five-run eighth inning by the Mariners put the game out of reach for good. It's a tough pill to swallow, marking the third loss in four games, but the Cubs still find themselves atop the NL Central.
The undeniable star for the Cubs was Seiya Suzuki. He was on fire, launching two homers and driving in three runs. His second blast marked his 20th of the season, cementing his status as a critical power source in the middle of the lineup. When Suzuki is seeing the ball this well, the entire offense gets a jolt, a fact that will be crucial as the team heads into a tough road trip.
Perhaps the best news of the day came from manager Craig Counsell, who confirmed that ace Shota Imanaga is officially back in the rotation. While his exact start date wasn't announced, his return provides a massive, immediate boost to a pitching staff that needs its anchor. Imanaga's presence will be a stabilizing force as the Cubs navigate a pivotal stretch of their season.
Even with the sting of a loss, the big picture for the Cubs remains incredibly bright. The latest MLB Power Rankings still have them at No. 3, and a look at the farm system shows why. Even after dealing a top prospect for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs boast seven Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball. Farm director Jason Kanzler noted the organization's depth, with players ready to contribute. Case in point: No. 2 prospect Owen Caissie just had a four-hit game at Triple-A, knocking on the door of the big leagues. This embarrassment of riches gives the front office incredible flexibility for call-ups or trades as the deadline approaches.
Now, the page turns. The Cubs head to St. Louis for a four-game set against the rival Cardinals, a series that always carries extra weight. Ben Brown gets the ball in Monday's opener against Matthew Liberatore, tasked with setting a positive tone. With Suzuki swinging a hot bat, Imanaga rejoining the rotation, and a wave of talent waiting in the wings, this team is built for the long haul. This week's stumble against Seattle is just a bump in the road; the real test begins now.
