Cubs Maintain Focus Amid Trade Deadline and Brewers Dominance

The Chicago Cubs have reignited excitement in the National League this season. Fans and analysts are talking playoffs and maybe even the World Series.

Sitting at 60-42 as of Friday, the Cubs have shown resilience. They’ve battled through injuries and a brutal first-half schedule.

The NL Central is a wild race right now. The Milwaukee Brewers have surged ahead to take the division lead.

Let’s dig into how Chicago is shaping up for the postseason push. There are some pivotal moments ahead as the MLB season heats up.

The Cubs’ Resurgence Amidst Adversity

The Cubs started the season just okay, but something’s clicked. Since May 1, they’ve gone 42-29, showing consistency and real grit.

Even with injuries to key pitchers like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, they’ve stayed in the fight. Most teams would have folded, but Chicago’s kept its head above water.

They survived a brutal first-half schedule—one of the toughest in MLB. Now, with that gauntlet behind them, the Cubs are looking at one of the league’s easiest remaining slates.

Honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. Chicago seems to be finding its groove just as the games really start to matter.

The Brewers’ Challenge in the NL Central

The Brewers haven’t made things easy. Since May, they’ve put up a 45-26 record, which is nothing to sneeze at.

They erased a 6.5-game deficit and now lead the NL Central by a slim margin with about 60 games left. The whole thing feels like it could flip any day.

This head-to-head race is set up for a wild finish. There are eight games left between Chicago and Milwaukee, and everyone knows how much those will matter.

Both teams need to handle their own business. At the same time, you can bet they’re watching each other closely.

Trade Deadline: A Defining Moment for the Cubs

With the August 1 trade deadline coming up, the Cubs have some decisions to make. They really need help in the starting rotation.

Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have been steady, but the team needs more depth. If they want to make a real run, they’ll have to add another arm or two.

Potential trade targets include:

• Zac Gallen (Arizona): He’s a real ace, the kind of pitcher who could change everything.
• Merrill Kelly (Arizona): Dependable, with some playoff experience.
• Sandy Alcántara (Miami): Last year’s NL Cy Young winner—he can dominate when he’s on.
• Edward Cabrera (Miami): Young, lots of upside, maybe a bit unproven.
• Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh): Under the radar, but there’s real breakout potential there.

The next three-game series in Milwaukee could be a turning point. How both teams play might decide how aggressive they get at the deadline.

Crunch Time at Wrigley and Beyond

The Cubs’ postseason hopes ride on more than just beating the Brewers. They need to take care of business against the rest of their schedule, too.

Momentum is on their side. With guys like Steele coming back from injury, Chicago has a shot to take back the division lead.

But talent isn’t everything. They’ll have to execute, plain and simple.

These last two months are going to be a grind. Every game, especially against Milwaukee, could decide if Chicago’s playing in October—or just watching.

What’s Next for the Cubs?

The next few weeks will be crucial. The Cubs are walking a tightrope between contender and pretender.

The front office faces big choices at the trade deadline. The team also needs to handle the rest of the schedule and hope for some luck with injuries.

Right now, Cubs fans have every reason to keep their eyes on the standings. The post-All-Star break drama is here, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in it.

If Chicago keeps playing like this, the payoff could be huge. A World Series trophy hasn’t called Wrigley Field home since 2016, but hey, maybe lightning can strike twice.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Chicago Cubs trying to stay focused on next game with trade deadline nearing and Brewers atop NL Central