The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 40-37 record and sit in third place in the NL Central. The club dealt with a postponement against Toronto. This followed a significant bullpen collapse the previous afternoon.
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
MLB Game Recap
Chicago suffered a heartbreaking 8-6 loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday after surrendering a five-run lead. Starter Colin Rea was dominant early, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings and allowing just three hits. The game changed direction in the eighth inning. The bullpen surrendered five runs. This was capped by a go-ahead three-run home run by Kazuma Okamoto.
Standout Performer
Matt Shaw powered the early offense, finishing 1-for-5 with a three-run home run and three RBIs. His second-inning blast into the left-field bleachers provided an initial 3-0 cushion. This highlighted his impact since returning from the injured list. Shaw currently maintains a .252 batting average with four home runs on the season.
Key News & Notes
Closer Daniel Palencia is experiencing inflammation. He has a mild flexor strain in his right elbow and is now on the 15-day injured list. Manager Craig Counsell noted that relievers will need to be flexible with their roles while Palencia undergoes a reconditioning program. Meanwhile, left-hander Matthew Boyd “feels good.” He struck out seven in a rehab start for High-A South Bend. He pitched four scoreless innings on Saturday.
Get Your Inside The Diamonds Merchandise Here
Farm Report
- Iowa Cubs (AAA): Lost 3-1 to Indianapolis. Jordan Wicks took the loss. He struck out two and allowed only two earned runs over five innings.
- Knoxville Smokies (AA): The team fell 11-4 to Chattanooga. Carter Trice provided a highlight by going 2-for-3 with a double and one RBI.
- South Bend Cubs (High-A): Dropped a 6-2 decision to Fort Wayne. The game saw Jaxon Wiggins fan three batters during his own rehab appearance.
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A): They secured a 7-2 win over Delmarva. Logan Poteet went 2-for-4 with his 13th home run of the year.
- ACL Cubs: No game scheduled
Deep Dive: The Logan Webb Trade Proposal
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Chicago Cubs are increasingly viewed as aggressive buyers. They seek to stabilize a rotation that has struggled with a 6.39 ERA since late May. A major four-player trade package has been proposed. Yahoo Sports and a few Cubs-specific websites have shared the same info. It aims to acquire San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb. Webb is a two-time All-Star. He is currently pitching to a 3.46 ERA. Webb is attached to a five-year, $90 million contract, providing the long-term control the Cubs desire for their pitching staff.
Chicago must likely part with its top trade chip, Matt Shaw. They also need to trade prospects Josiah Hartshorn, Jaxon Wiggins, and Owen Ayers. Shaw is a focal point of the Cubs’ future infield. However, the team’s immediate needs are dire. This is because Jameson Taillon is out until August, and Cade Horton is sidelined for the season. Owner Jed Hoyer has signaled the need for aggressiveness. This approach is essential to secure a postseason bye. Obtaining a postseason bye significantly correlates with World Series odds. Adding a durable arm like Webb could solve the issue. He has thrown 200+ innings in each of the last three seasons. This addition might keep Chicago’s playoff aspirations alive.
Here is the problem. Giving away top talent for a starter to keep playoff hopes alive is a mistake. In my opinion, it is a big one, honestly. It’s that time of year. Are you making a move that makes us the clear favorite to win the World Series? If not, what are we doing? This Chicago Cubs team has talent. With the pending labor stoppage this winter, I would be very careful. Trading away prospects that can be part of the future for this Cubs team is risky.
Jed has to be honest with himself about this Cubs team’s current strength. Can one starter enable them to surpass the Milwaukee Brewers? How about the Atlanta Braves? What about the Los Angeles Dodgers? Or even the Philadelphia Phillies? In my opinion, no. Let’s keep prospects who will play in the future. We can also sell a few pieces that won’t be back in 2027. We can trade them for more assets or bullpen arms.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs will attempt to reset their rotation. This will happen during an upcoming road trip against the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. The next starter is unconfirmed due to Sunday’s rainout. The team anticipates the return of Matthew Boyd to the active roster soon. His return will provide much-needed depth.
The Cubs’ season currently rests on whether their bats can outrun a depleted pitching staff. What do you think?
