The Chicago Cubs entered the 2025 MLB trade deadline with caution. Instead of chasing headline-grabbing deals, they made a few calculated, mid-tier acquisitions.
While their National League rivals went after top-tier relievers, the Cubs took a measured approach to fortify their roster. But are these small tweaks really enough in a crowded playoff race? Let’s break down the Cubs’ moves, their current roster challenges, and what it could mean for October baseball.
Post-Deadline Analysis: Cubs Stay Conservative
Teams like the Phillies, Mets, and Padres upgraded their bullpens with dominant closers. The Cubs, though, focused on plugging holes rather than splurging.
They added relievers Taylor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge, injured starter Mike Soroka, and utility man Willi Castro. These moves help in certain spots, but none really shift the balance of power in the NL.
Patching Up a Battered Rotation
The Cubs’ starting rotation has taken a beating this season. Ace Justin Steele is out for the year.
Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon have both been in and out with injuries. Javier Assad hasn’t pitched at all in 2025.
That leaves Imanaga and new arrival Matthew Boyd as likely postseason rotation locks. Filling the rest of the rotation probably means leaning on prospects like Cade Horton and depth arm Colin Rea.
That’s a risky way to go into the playoffs. Adding Mike Soroka might look smart on paper, but his injury status makes his availability questionable.
Without a proven third starter, Chicago’s rotation feels shaky against teams with loaded lineups.
Bolstering the Bullpen: Sinkerballers Take the Stage
Adding Taylor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge gives the bullpen some fresh options. Both specialize in sinking pitches, which fits well with the Cubs’ strong infield defense.
This combo could help in tight games, turning ground balls into outs and giving Chicago a shot at damage control.
Concerns About Late-Game Closing
Still, there’s skepticism about the Cubs’ bullpen. They don’t have a true dominant closer, which is huge in high-stakes playoff innings.
Rogers and Kittredge are solid, but neither is that lockdown guy who slams the door in the ninth. That stands out, especially since their NL rivals grabbed elite closers at the deadline.
Offensive Firepower Meets Midseason Slump
For most of 2025, Chicago’s offense has been one of the league’s best. They’ve mixed power with patience, making life tough for opposing pitchers.
Lately, though, the bats have cooled off. All-Star Kyle Tucker, in particular, has hit a rough patch.
No Upgrades at Third Base, But Bench Depth Improves
The Cubs didn’t make a move at third base. Instead, they grabbed Willi Castro.
Castro brings speed and defensive versatility to a thin Cubs bench. Scouts and execs have called this kind of depth critical for postseason runs.
Moving Castro around the diamond could make the defense even better, especially up the middle.
Are the Cubs Built for October Glory?
Chicago faces some real challenges, but they’re still a dangerous postseason team. Their elite infield defense stands out, and the offense—though slumping lately—can be a problem for any contender.
People keep questioning their pitching depth and whether they can close out tight games. The front office took a cautious approach at the trade deadline, which makes you wonder: Can these mid-tier upgrades really handle the chaos of postseason baseball in such a stacked National League?
If the Cubs are to advance deep into October, they will need:
- Imanaga and Boyd to confidently anchor the rotation.
- Emergent performances from depth arms like Horton and Rea.
- Tucker and the offense to rediscover their midseason dominance.
- Rogers and Kittredge to deliver under pressure, even without a lockdown closer.
The Cubs’ playoff hopes seem tied to the health of their roster and the choices they made at the deadline. It’s a precarious spot, honestly. Defensive excellence might help, but can they really overcome all those pitching doubts?
Here is the source article for this story: Do the Cubs have a championship-level roster? Here’s what MLB insiders think
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