The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one. The team leads the National League Central and draws big crowds to Wrigley Field.
With the MLB trade deadline looming on July 31, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer sounds confident about using the team’s financial flexibility for roster upgrades. The Cubs look bound for the playoffs, but their long-term strategy still feels murky—especially with All-Star Kyle Tucker’s future in Chicago uncertain. Could this be the year the Cubs claw back into World Series contention? Or will old habits and financial caution undercut their momentum?
The Cubs at the Midseason Mark: A Competitive Yet Uncertain Division
The Cubs are on pace for 95 wins as the season progresses. That’s impressive and puts them firmly in the playoff conversation.
But even with this success, they haven’t pulled away in a division that’s as competitive as any in baseball. The National League Central stays tight, so the Cubs can’t afford to coast in the second half.
A Missing Ace and a Mediocre June
June wasn’t kind to the Cubs’ depth. Inconsistent performances exposed some real gaps in the roster.
Making matters worse, starting pitcher Justin Steele is out after elbow surgery. His absence leaves the rotation looking thin and highlights how much the Cubs need reinforcements if they want a deep playoff run.
Kyle Tucker’s Arrival: A Rental or Something More?
One of the most exciting things for Cubs fans this year is the arrival of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The Cubs landed him as a rental in a blockbuster trade, and he’s already added some serious punch to the lineup.
Tucker’s presence has bumped up the team’s playoff odds. But his looming free agency throws a wrench into any long-term plans.
Fan Enthusiasm Meets Hoyer’s Caution
Fans are buzzing about Tucker and want the Cubs to lock him down long-term. Jed Hoyer, though, is taking a more measured approach, stressing that negotiations will need some discipline and clear limits.
Signing Tucker could change the team’s future, but the financial risk is hard to ignore.
Financial Flexibility: Cubs’ Key to Deadline Success
Financial flexibility gives the Cubs a real edge. Hoyer points out that the team’s future payroll is “unbelievably clean,” which gives them rare freedom in the market.
They’re still under the luxury-tax threshold, but thanks to loyal fans and strong revenue, they’ve got options—if ownership is willing to spend.
Ownership’s Track Record of In-Season Spending
The Cubs’ ownership has shown they’ll spend in-season when the team is in the hunt. That’s encouraging as the deadline nears.
The Nick Castellanos deal in 2019 is a good example. Another bold move this year could keep the Cubs in the thick of the division race.
Strategic Deadline Targets: Beyond Rentals
Rentals like Tucker can give a playoff push a boost, but Hoyer seems to have a broader plan in mind. Reports say the Cubs might chase players under club control past 2025.
Names like Miami Marlins pitchers Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara have surfaced as possible targets. Adding high-upside arms could help both now and down the road.
Building for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, several key Cubs players will hit free agency after 2026. That puts extra pressure on the front office to find smart, sustainable upgrades.
Targeting players with longer-term contracts could help keep the Cubs competitive well into the future.
The Wrigley Field Advantage
Playing at iconic Wrigley Field is a huge draw for players and fans alike. It’s a big reason the Cubs can attract and keep talent.
Hoyer and Tucker’s camp both seem content to let the market play out. Still, you have to wonder if winning baseball and the magic of Chicago’s game days might sway Tucker to stick around.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Cubs are facing some pretty high stakes this season. The division race is tight, and the trade deadline feels like a make-or-break moment.
Can they really juggle their financial flexibility, hang onto Kyle Tucker, and still plan for the future? That’s anyone’s guess.
One thing’s for sure—Cubs fans are going to be glued to every move as July heats up, and probably long after that.
Here is the source article for this story: Money won’t be an issue for Cubs at trade deadline, but it will be a factor in Kyle Tucker negotiations
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