What Are the Cubs Three Biggest Needs as the Trade Deadline Looms?
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in the National League so far in 2025. Now, as the trade deadline approaches, it is time to start thinking about how this team can improve on its weaknesses to compete for a World Series title in October. While seemingly every position group has exceeded expectations in some way or another, there are still a few glaring needs that need to be addressed to get this team over the top. Let’s take a look at the biggest needs for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs ahead of the deadline.
High Leverage Bullpen Help
If there was any position to point to and identify as the Cubs’ biggest weak spot this season, it would probably be the bullpen. However, as a whole, this group has performed well above expectations as of late. The work of guys like Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen, and Caleb Thielbar can not be overlooked, but one has to wonder if the production from those guys can keep up as the games get more and more important. Daniel Palencia has proven to be a worthy closer with his electric fastball, but he is still so young with no postseason experience. I think a veteran reliever with a quality pitch mix and postseason experience could be exactly what this team needs to get clutch outs late in games down the stretch.
Quality Starting Pitcher
It has been well-documented that the Cubs will be without ace Justin Steele for the entirety of the season, and now Jameson Taillon has found himself on the shelf for what will be about a month. Shota Imanaga is still getting back to full throttle after missing nearly two months with an injury of his own. So, it is safe to say this rotation has seen its fair share of injuries so far in 2025. Matthew Boyd has been sensational in the heart of the rotation, but there seems to be a void at the top. The Cubs need to think about acquiring a starter they envision pitching in game two or three of a playoff series behind Imanaga.
Bench Bat
Matt Shaw’s offensive performance has hit a decline recently, which has highlighted a drastic need for the Cubs to upgrade their bench options before the playoffs. For utility men Vidal Bruján and Jon Berti, they have not quite gotten the job done as of late, and they are the only potential replacements for Shaw if he needs to sit. I do not think this is a situation where they need to go and trade for a full-time third baseman and throw Shaw on the bench for the foreseeable future, given that Shaw has proven his ability to play well above average defense. With that being said, going out and getting an affordable bench bat, or maybe two, that can play multiple infield positions could come in clutch in a massive situation later on in the season.