It’s been a tough stretch for the Chicago Cubs, who have seen their once-explosive offense go quiet. Remember when this team was the talk of baseball, stringing together double-digit scoring nights and 10-game win streaks? Those days feel like a distant memory now, as the lineup struggles to find its rhythm.
One bright spot remains Seiya Suzuki, who continues to swing with authority. The Japanese star is closing in on 100 career MLB home runs, a milestone that would cement his place among the game’s elite international talents. His approach at the plate has been a model of consistency, even as the team around him searches for answers.
Looking ahead, the Cubs might turn to a familiar trade partner for help. According to Ryan O’Rourke of Cubbies Crib, the Houston Astros could be a team to watch. While Ken Rosenthal doubts Houston will part with superstar Yordan Alvarez, he notes that if the Astros continue to struggle, other pieces could become available. It’s a situation the Cubs front office should monitor closely.
On the pitching side, injuries continue to be a concern. Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic dive into the Cubs’ pitching woes, asking the tough question: what’s going on with all these arm issues? The reality is that modern pitching development comes with inherent risks, and the Cubs are feeling that pain firsthand. Expect the team to investigate these trends further.
In roster news, Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Cubs have signed veteran reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor league deal. At 37 years old, Hendriks is coming off significant health challenges, but there’s no downside for Chicago. If he can rediscover even a fraction of his All-Star form, it could be a steal for the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Ben Brown is embracing a new challenge. Mike Axisa of CBS Sports highlights that Brown, who thrived as a high-leverage reliever under manager Craig Counsell, is now getting a chance to start. This move shows the Cubs are willing to be flexible with their young arms, hoping to maximize their potential.
Unfortunately, the offense hasn’t kept pace. In a recent loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs managed just one hit, with Alex Bregman’s fourth-inning homer providing the only spark. As Gordon Edes of the Chicago Sun-Times notes, this team is offensively challenged right now. But with Suzuki nearing history, trade rumors swirling, and young arms like Brown getting opportunities, there’s still reason to believe the North Siders can turn things around.