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The game started off eerily similar to Friday night’s — with the Cubs getting runners on base early but struggling to capitalize.

In the top of the first, Kyle Tucker led off with a single and quickly stole second. Pete Crow-Armstrong walked and swiped second as well, putting pressure on the Astros’ defense. After Swanson drew another walk, bases were loaded for Michael Busch, who forced in a run with a walk of his own.

But just when it looked like the Cubs might take control early, Nico Hoerner grounded out to end the inning — leaving three runners stranded.

Colin Rea kept things steady on the mound, navigating through some early traffic and keeping the score at 1-0 heading into the third.

Then came the moment that made fans nervous — former Cub Cam Smith took Rea deep for the second straight night, flipping the script and giving the Astros a 2-1 lead.

It felt like one of those nights again. The kind where the offense disappears after one run and the game slips away.

But then, everything changed.

Kyle Tucker & Co. Take Over: A Seven-Run Fourth to Remember

With one out in the fourth, Michael Busch stepped up and crushed a solo shot to center field — tying the game at 2-2.

Just six pitches later, Nico Hoerner followed that up with a home run of his own. Back-to-back bombs!

That pair marked the seventh time this season the Cubs have gone back-to-back — already halfway to their franchise record of 12 set in 2004.

And they weren’t done yet.

Matt Shaw walked and moved to second on a single by Reese McGuire. Ian Happ brought him home with a single to make it 4-2.

Then came Kyle Tucker — and he delivered in a big way. He launched a no-doubt homer to left field, making it 7-2 and sending Wrigley Field West into a frenzy.

Seiya Suzuki tripled next and scored on a sac fly by Crow-Armstrong, capping off a massive seven-run inning.

It was the second seven-run inning of the season for the Cubs and came at the perfect time.

Tucker Steals the Show

Kyle Tucker didn’t just have a good game — he had a career night.

He finished with four hits, four runs scored , and a monster home run that sealed the deal in the fourth. Facing his former team and their fans, Tucker showed exactly what he brings to the table.

Later in the sixth, he doubled and eventually scored to extend the lead. Then in the eighth, he singled for his fourth hit of the night, setting the tone for more damage from Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ.

Suzuki, in particular, put on a show. His two-run homer in the eighth was a no-doubter — and gave him 22 on the year , already matching his previous career high. He’s now pacing toward a potential 40-homer season and leads all of MLB in RBIs with 69.

Solid Pitching and Defense Behind the Offense

Colin Rea wasn’t lights-out, but he was solid — five innings, two runs, five hits, and zero walks. Not flashy, but effective.

His outing was backed by strong relief work from Ryan Brasier and Drew Pomeranz, who each threw clean innings. Porter Hodge allowed a late solo homer, but it was a minor blemish on an otherwise dominant performance.

Tucker also made a highlight-reel catch in the fourth, showing off his elite defense and reminding everyone why he’s one of the best all-around players in baseball.

What This Win Means for the Cubs

With the win, the Cubs improved to 13-12 in June , keeping their hopes alive for a winning month. A Sunday victory would not only secure a series win but also cap off a successful road trip.

Jameson Taillon is set to face Framber Valdez in the finale, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT.

After a shaky start, the Cubs reminded everyone why they’re dangerous when their offense clicks — especially with Kyle Tucker leading the charge.

From clutch hitting to timely defense, Saturday’s 12-3 win was the kind of performance that can turn around a series, or even a season.

The 2025 MLB season is winding down and teams are preparing for the All-Star break. For teams like the Detroit Tigers it’s been a mad dash to get their rosters set and make a push for October baseball. But with every roster addition comes a tough decision — who gets cut loose?

That’s exactly what happened to former Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer recently. He’s on waivers for the second time this season.

A Veteran’s Bumpy Road Back to the Majors

Michael Fulmer looked like he could be a cornerstone in Detroit’s rotation. Acquired in the big trade that sent Yoenis Cespédes to the Mets in 2015, Fulmer made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and showing flashes of stardom early in his career.

But injuries and inconsistency turned him into a bullpen arm. Still, Fulmer carved out a niche as a reliable right-handed reliever, especially during his 2023 stint with the Chicago Cubs where he appeared in 58 games.

After being released by the Boston Red Sox in late April, Fulmer signed a minor league deal with the Cubs — hoping to get another shot at the big leagues.

DFA’d Again: What Went Wrong?

Fulmer was recalled from Triple-A Iowa earlier this week but barely had time to get settled in before the Cubs made the tough decision to put him on waivers again.

It wasn’t supposed to end like this. The veteran pitcher still has something left in the tank and teams know it. But in today’s fast paced, analytics driven game even experienced arms can get caught in roster crunches and performance metrics.

This is Fulmer’s second DFA of the year — a tough break for a guy who just wants to keep playing.

Where Does He Go From Here?

The Cubs have a week to trade Fulmer or release him. If he clears waivers he’ll hit free agency again — and you can bet there will be interest.

Fulmer has shown throughout his career he can get big league hitters out. His versatility, experience and right-handedness in the bullpen are assets many teams could use as the trade deadline approaches.

While this chapter may be closing in Chicago the story isn’t over yet.

When Ryan Pressly first arrived in Chicago, things didn’t exactly go as planned.

The former All-Star reliever waived his no-trade clause to join the Cubs from the Houston Astros, bringing with him a strong postseason résumé and a reputation as one of the game’s most trusted late-inning arms. But early results told a different story — and it wasn’t long before fans were questioning whether the move was a mistake.

A Rocky Start in the Windy City

Pressly was handed the closer role by manager Craig Counsell at the start of the season. It was a bold move, but one that made sense on paper. Unfortunately, the early outings weren’t smooth sailing.

His appearances were filled with tension — often brought on by his own doing. Control issues, shaky innings, and high-leverage moments gone wrong led to growing concerns. Then came the infamous outing against the San Francisco Giants in early May, where Pressly allowed eight earned runs without recording a single out.

That game became a breaking point. Soon after, Porter Hodge took over the ninth-inning duties.

Turning the Corner

Despite the rough patch, Pressly never stopped working. He leaned into the support of teammates like Ian Happ, who sat down with him to dissect his approach and make adjustments. What followed was a quiet but powerful transformation.

Since that disastrous inning in May, Pressly has put together a string of 13 straight scoreless appearances. His ability to bounce back didn’t go unnoticed.

“I think Ryan deserves a ton of credit here for how he’s bounced back,” Counsell said after a recent save. “If you look at his season, he’s had one bad inning… and he’s put up zeros ever since.”

A Key Arm in a Shaky Rotation

With injuries plaguing the Cubs’ starting rotation — including setbacks for Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, and Justin Steele — the bullpen has become more important than ever. Pressly’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time.

While his strikeout numbers aren’t eye-popping (16 Ks in 26 innings), his ERA sits at a respectable 3.81 — and much of that success comes down to his resilience and adjustments mid-season.

He may not be racking up strikeouts, but what he brings to the table — leadership, experience, and clutch performances — is invaluable, especially for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight division race.

Why This Turnaround Matters

It’s easy to forget just how good Pressly can be when he’s dialed in. In the postseason, he’s been lights-out — something the Cubs will need if they hope to make a deep run this year.

What started as an offseason gamble is now looking like a win. And while there were plenty of doubters along the way, Pressly’s turnaround proves that sometimes, all a player needs is a little time — and the right environment — to find their footing.

It’s not every day you see a pitcher come into a game under scrutiny for possibly tipping pitches — and walk away with six dominant innings, 10 strikeouts, no walks, and just one run allowed.

But that’s exactly what Jesús Luzardo vs. Critics did Wednesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

After two disastrous outings where he gave up a combined 20 runs in less than nine innings, Luzardo returned with a vengeance. He looked more like the pitcher the Phillies envisioned when they traded for him from Miami — focused, aggressive, and most importantly, hard to read.

The result? A 7-2 win over the red-hot Chicago Cubs, who entered the game leading the majors in runs per game.

A New Look, A New Mindset

Luzardo has always been superstitious — so much so that he changed his hairstyle for the third time in three starts. The cornrows are gone, replaced by a clean cut and a faint mustache that might or might not stick around.

More importantly, he also made a change on the mound.

With runners on base — especially second — Luzardo adjusted how he handled the ball. He kept it hidden better, altered his glove position, and became more deliberate with his movements. It was part of a broader effort to eliminate any possible tells that opposing hitters could pick up on.

“It’s about attention to detail,” Luzardo said after the game. “There were things I needed to fix.”

What Was the Problem?

Luzardo started noticing something wasn’t right after his last few starts. Opposing hitters seemed too prepared, especially when there was a runner on second base. So he dove into the video.

What he found was alarming.

Over his first 11 starts with the Phillies, opponents hit just .143 with a runner on second. But in his previous two outings, that number skyrocketed to .900 — with multiple extra-base hits off those same situations.

“That wasn’t a coincidence,” Luzardo admitted.

He brought his findings to the coaching staff, including assistant pitching coach Mark Lowy. Together, they reviewed his delivery and noticed he was “pre-gripping” the ball before stuffing it into his glove — a habit that made it easier for hitters or third-base coaches to guess what was coming.

So they worked on adjustments. Luzardo practiced different ways to hide his grip, eventually settling on a new hand position that kept everything under wraps.

And he used it in real time during the game.

Did the Changes Make a Difference?

Even if Luzardo didn’t completely erase whatever issue he had with tipping, the psychological boost was clear.

“I think it helped,” Luzardo said. “I felt more in control out there.”

Manager Rob Thomson was more measured in his assessment.

“Maybe a little bit,” Thomson said. “But I still think it comes down to execution. You can hide your grip all you want, but if you don’t throw the ball where you want to, it doesn’t matter.”

Still, the results speak for themselves. Luzardo struck out 10, walked none, and allowed only one earned run — which came on a missed foul ball by Nick Castellanos.

Kyle Schwarber, who’s seen plenty of high-level pitching this season, praised Luzardo’s resilience.

“He studies himself. He wants to get better. That’s the impressive thing,” Schwarber said. “It was just a matter of time before he bounced back.”

What This Means for Luzardo and the Phillies

This wasn’t just another midseason win. It was a statement.

The Phillies clinched the season series against the Cubs — a team that could very well be a playoff opponent later this year. And Luzardo played a huge role in that, allowing just one earned run in 12 innings across two starts against Chicago.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Luzardo’s stuff is among the best in the league.

“He’s got three plus pitches — fastball, changeup, breaking ball,” Counsell said. “That’s a tough combo when he’s on.”

For Luzardo personally, the outing proves he’s capable of learning from failure — and adapting quickly.

“This is who he is,” Thomson said. “Off the field, he’s great. On the hill? He’s a bear. He wants it bad.”

Looking Ahead

Luzardo left Citizens Bank Park with more than just a win — he left with confidence.

His mustache may come and go, but his focus remains sharp. And for the first time in weeks, the critics have gone quiet.

Now, the question becomes: Can he build on this momentum?

If Wednesday’s performance is any indication, Luzardo is ready to keep proving people wrong — one pitch at a time.

After two encouraging outings — one with an opener and one without — expectations were high for Ben Brown heading into Wednesday’s start at Citizens Bank Park.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan.

Brown was hit hard early, surrendering three runs in the first inning, and the momentum never swung back in the Cubs’ favor. The final Phillies vs. Cubs score: Phillies 7, Cubs 2 , giving Philadelphia the series win and extending their dominance over Chicago this season.

First Inning Doom: A Pattern Emerges

It didn’t take long for trouble to find Brown. The Phillies struck quickly, putting pressure on him from the get-go.

Max Kepler delivered a two-run double, and a defensive mishap by Nico Hoerner on J.T. Realmuto’s ground ball allowed the third run to score. What could have been a quick inning spiraled into a rocky start.

This wasn’t the first time Brown got off to a shaky beginning. Analyst Jim Deshaies pointed out during the Marquee broadcast that Brown might be starting games too aggressively, leading to early damage.

One idea being floated? Maybe using an opener in future starts could help settle him down before handing over the reins.

Breaking the Streak: Cubs’ Impressive Run Ends

Before this game, the Cubs had gone 131 straight innings without allowing more than two runs — a streak spanning nearly two weeks and 14 games.

But the Phillies snapped that cold streak in the first inning alone, scoring three runs off Brown.

The floodgates opened a little more later in the game, especially after Kyle Schwarber launched a solo homer in the third and Alec Bohm capitalized on a tricky play in the fifth.

Turning the Page: What Went Wrong?

Despite going 5⅔ innings and striking out five, Brown gave up eight hits and six earned runs — including a costly error by Kyle Tucker in center field that kept the inning alive.

His pitch count climbed to 100, which was likely an effort to save the bullpen during a long road trip. Still, it wasn’t the kind of performance the Cubs hoped for from their young starter.

Notably, this marked the fourth game this season where a Cubs starter allowed at least six earned runs — and Brown was on the mound for all four.

Postgame Notes: Homestand Ahead

The Cubs wrapped up a 4-5 road trip but remain in a strong position atop the NL Central, thanks in part to losses by the Cardinals and Brewers earlier in the day.

Now, they return home to Wrigley Field for their longest homestand of the year — a 10-game stretch that begins Thursday against the Pirates.

Jameson Taillon will take the mound for Chicago, looking to put this loss behind them and kick off the homestand on a positive note.

Back to the Drawing Board

For Ben Brown, this outing was a setback — but not necessarily a dealbreaker. He showed promise in previous starts, and the coaching staff remains hopeful adjustments can be made.

Whether that means experimenting with openers or fine-tuning his approach in the early innings, the Cubs aren’t ready to give up on him yet.

With another chance coming soon — possibly against the Brewers at Wrigley — Brown will look to prove he belongs in the team’s long-term plans.

The Chicago Cubs are sitting pretty in first place as of mid-June, but president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer isn’t getting too comfortable.

In a recent appearance on The Show podcast with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, Hoyer confirmed what many fans suspected — come July 31, the Cubs will be looking to add pitching help.

But before we dive into what this year might bring, let’s take a look back at how the Cubs have historically approached the trade deadline under Hoyer’s leadership.

Rebuilding Era: Trading Away Stars for Futures (2021–2023)

When Jed Hoyer took over as President of Baseball Operations in October 2020, he inherited a team that had peaked a few years earlier. The core of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Báez was aging, expensive, and nearing free agency.

Hoyer made it clear early on — it was time to rebuild.

One of the most impactful trades came in July 2021, when the Cubs sent Javier Báez and Trevor Williams to the New York Mets in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA), along with minor leaguers Nick Zagst and Thomas Hackimer.

At the time, it felt like a tough move for fans who wanted to keep the fan-favorite shortstop. But in hindsight, it was one of the smartest decisions of Hoyer’s tenure.

Crow-Armstrong struggled with injuries early in his career, playing just six games in 2021 due to shoulder surgery. But now, entering his second full MLB season, PCA has emerged as one of the game’s most complete players — hitting for power, stealing bases, and playing elite defense in center field.

Hoyer admitted he was surprised by how quickly PCA developed into a star.

“I think it was good fortune for us that they did take some really good players off the table, and most of those guys are helping the Mets right now… but Pete’s injury allowed that to happen.”

That deal marked the start of a new era — one focused more on long-term growth than short-term glory.

Transition Year: Balancing Rebuild With Competitiveness (2024)

By 2024, the Cubs were no longer sellers. They still weren’t contenders, but the young core was starting to gel.

Hoyer played it cautiously at the trade deadline, making smaller moves rather than big splashes. He added depth pieces and avoided overpaying for rentals. It was a sign that the front office was starting to believe in the team’s future, but wasn’t quite ready to commit fully.

Still, the focus remained on developing internal talent and avoiding costly mistakes.

2025: Could This Be the Year the Cubs Go All-In?

Fast forward to today, and the Cubs are in a completely different place.

They’re leading their division, their offense is among the best in the league, and names like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cody Bellinger, and Dansby Swanson are giving fans real hope.

But there’s a glaring weakness: pitching.

Justin Steele went down with UCL revision surgery after just four starts. Javier Assad missed significant time with oblique issues. Shota Imanaga hit the injured list with a hamstring strain, though Hoyer remains hopeful he’ll return by the end of June.

Despite all that, the team has managed to stay competitive thanks to solid performances from their remaining starters and strong defense.

Still, Hoyer knows they can’t rely on that forever.

“I think we’re going to be looking for pitching, both rotation and in the bullpen,” Hoyer said. “I don’t think that’s a secret.”

He also emphasized the importance of building depth, especially in today’s game where injuries are rampant and playoff runs require multiple layers of talent.

While he didn’t give away any specific plans or targets, he made it clear — if the team stays in contention, they’ll make moves.

What Does This Mean for the 2025 Deadline?

Hoyer kept things vague, which is standard for a GM ahead of the deadline. Whether the Cubs go all-in or stay cautious could depend heavily on:

• How soon Shota Imanaga returns
• Whether Javier Assad can stay healthy
• How the bullpen performs in high-leverage situations
• And, of course, what kind of assets other teams are willing to offer

Porter Hodge is expected back from injury soon, which helps the bullpen. Still, Hoyer acknowledged that relief pitching is always a work in progress.

“Bullpens are always a work in progress… I don’t think you ever get to a point of feeling comfortable.”

As for position players? Hoyer doesn’t expect to do much there. The offense has been clicking, and the defensive depth is solid across the board.

So unless there’s an unexpected injury, don’t expect major additions on the offensive side.

Looking Ahead: Building Around Young Talent

It’s clear that Hoyer sees the current roster as a foundation, not a finished product. Players like Crow-Armstrong, Brennen Davis, and Christopher Morel represent the core of what’s next.

And while they’ve already made some bold moves in recent years, the 2025 trade deadline could be a turning point — the moment when the rebuild officially becomes a retool.

For Otto Kemp, Monday night was one he’ll never forget. It started with J.T. Realmuto showing him around the Phillies’ clubhouse — a small but telling gesture for a rookie getting his first real taste of Major League Baseball.

But it ended with something far more dramatic: Kemp standing at third base, soaked in water and cheers, after delivering a clutch bunt single that helped set up Brandon Marsh’s walk-off hit in the 11th inning.

The Philadelphia Phillies snapped a brutal five-game losing streak with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. And Kemp? He went from quiet rookie to instant hero.

The Bunt Heard ‘Round the Bank

With the game tied and extra innings stretching on, the Phillies needed a spark. That’s when Bryson Stott laid down a perfect bunt, followed by Kemp’s even more improbable execution.

No one expected much from Kemp in that moment — especially not a bunt. After all, he hadn’t attempted one like that since summer ball back in 2021.

“I popped it up straight to the catcher,” Kemp admitted later, laughing. But this time, he crushed it — literally placing it just inches from the third-base line and hustling down to beat the throw.

Realmuto clapped from behind the plate. Teammates watched in awe. And just like that, the bases were loaded.

First MLB Hit, Then Magic

Kemp’s night wasn’t just about that bunt. Earlier in the fifth inning, he recorded his first career MLB hit — a screaming line drive off the bat at 105.9 mph. It was the kind of hit you dream of as a kid.

Still, when asked which moment meant more, Kemp didn’t hesitate.

“The bunt,” he said. “Just to help the team win. Felt like it was a big situation.”

That kind of selflessness is rare in rookies. But for Kemp, it felt natural.

Surviving a Rocker of a Game

Let’s be honest — the Phillies made it harder than it had to be.

They grounded into three double plays. They ran into outs on the basepaths. And just when it looked like they might finally take control, the Cubs tied the game in the eighth with a homer.

Then came the 11th. Down again. Three outs away from another loss. And then… magic.

Small ball. Perfect bunts. Clutch hitting. And a team that seemed to remember how to fight again.

Manager Rob Thomson couldn’t have been happier.

“We all did,” he said. “Hopefully, that settles things down a little bit.”

A New Star Emerges

Zack Wheeler pitched seven strong innings with seven strikeouts. Marsh delivered the final blow. But Kemp? He was the story.

From his first hit to his unforgettable bunt, Kemp showed poise, hustle, and heart — the kind of stuff that can change a season.

And if Monday night was any indication, Otto Kemp isn’t just passing through Philly. He’s here to stay.

Tigers Defensive Plays Behind Skubal That Changed the Game
DETROIT — Tarik Skubal was locked in. The Detroit Tigers’ ace had been dominant all night, but it wasn’t just his pitching that stood out. Behind him, the Tigers turned in what can only be described as a defensive clinic , making play after play that shifted momentum and ultimately helped seal the win.

In a tight 3-1 victory over the Cubs, every run mattered — and so did every glove.

Kerry Carpenter’s Wall-Leaping Catch: The Defining Moment

With two outs in the eighth inning, runners on first and second, and the Tigers clinging to a one-run lead, Seiya Suzuki lifted a fly ball to deep right field.

As the ball soared, Skubal and the rest of the dugout braced for the worst. It looked like a repeat of a similar blast by Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell back in mid-May — a go-ahead home run that haunted memories.

But this time, there was Kerry Carpenter.

“I knew he got it pretty good,” Carpenter said afterward. “It was tough to see with the sky being hazy, but I trusted my read.”

Carpenter tracked the ball all the way to the warning track, timed his leap perfectly, and snagged it just before it cleared the wall. He came down with the ball in hand, securing the final out of the inning — and preserving Skubal’s lead.

The Tigers erupted in celebration. So did Skubal.

“I love it,” Carpenter added. “I work hard at it. And when it pays off? That’s pretty awesome.”

Early-Inning Gems Set the Tone

Even before Carpenter’s heroics, the Tigers were turning heads with their gloves.

Skubal was cruising through the early innings, retiring 12 of the first 13 batters he faced. But not everything was pure dominance — some outs were made possible by sharp fielding.

In the third, Zach McKinstry robbed Nico Hoerner with a quick throw from third base after a soft liner. An inning earlier, Javier Báez ranged deep into the hole to snare a ball that looked destined for left field, then fired across the diamond to beat the runner.

And while Matt Shaw narrowly beat McKinstry’s throw for an infield single, even that moment showed hustle and awareness on both sides.

Báez Saves Skubal With a Smart Relay

The biggest test of the night came in the fifth, when the Cubs finally strung together some hits.

Dansby Swanson doubled, and Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a hit to right field. On most nights, that would mean runners at second and third with no outs.

But not this time.

Javy Báez saw the play unfold and made a critical decision — instead of firing home, he threw to third. His relay beat Crow-Armstrong by a step, thanks in part to a misplay by the Cubs’ third-base coach.

“It gave me a chance to MacGyver my way out of it,” Skubal said with a grin.

He struck out the next two batters, escaping what could’ve been a big inning.

The Final Out: Dingler’s Rocket Ar

Even with a lead heading into the top of the eighth, things got tense again.

Three straight hits brought the tying run to the plate, but Skubal was pulled after two outs. Enter Will Vest — and enter drama.

Matt Shaw tried to steal second. Dillon Dingler unleashed a laser beam to second base, nailing him easily.

“That kind of play,” manager A.J. Hinch said, “is why we keep playing nine innings.”

A Night to Remember

From Báez’s smart decisions to McKinstry’s arm and Carpenter’s leaping grab, the Tigers didn’t just support Skubal — they carried him when needed.

“They made five or six really special plays,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s going to make it tough on any offense.”

Spencer Torkelson put it best: “That was an absolute clinic by the guys.”

For Skubal, it was more than just another start. It was proof that sometimes, even the best pitchers need a little help from the guys behind them.

And on this night, the Tigers delivered exactly that.

Pete Crow-Armstrong — or “PCA” as he’s affectionately known around Wrigley Field — has been one of the most exciting players in baseball this season. At just 23 years old, Cubs Insider Reveals ,he’s not only holding down center field for the rebuilding Chicago Cubs but doing it like an MVP candidate.

So far this year, PCA is slashing .281/.319/.562 with 15 home runs , 15 doubles , and an MLB-leading 21 stolen bases . His all-around game has earned him a spot among the league’s rising stars, and his 3.8 bWAR leads the National League — putting him firmly on the map.

Could a Contract Extension Be on the Horizon?

With his performance peaking, the question naturally turns to whether the Cubs can get a long-term deal done before he hits free agency after the 2030 season.

And they’re not alone — teams across the league have started locking up their young stars early. Just look at:

• Jackson Merrill (Padres): 9 years ,$135 million
• Jackson Chourio (Brewers): 8 years
• $82 million (before even playing a MLB game)
• Kristian Campbell (Red Sox): 8 years, $60 million
• Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks): 8 years, $111 million
• Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): 11 years
• $288.8 million

These aren’t just big contracts — they’re franchise-altering deals that show how quickly teams are willing to commit to young talent.

The Cubs still have time — Crow-Armstrong isn’t arbitration eligible until 2028 — but if they want to avoid a bidding war in free agency, getting something done sooner rather than later makes sense.

What Kind of Deal Are We Talking About?

ESPN Cubs insider Jesse Rogers recently weighed in on what kind of contract Crow-Armstrong could command if the two sides decide to negotiate.

“It’s not $300 million. It’s not $200 million,” Rogers told Sportsnaut’s Scott Gulbransen. “But somewhere between $110 million and $150 million feels realistic.”

That puts him in the same ballpark as recent extensions from stars like Corbin Carroll and Jackson Chourio — which would be a massive vote of confidence from the Cubs.

Rogers also noted that PCA is starting to earn comparisons to those top-tier talents:

“He’s entering that Witt/Carroll/Chourio territory. The team is probably still wrapping their heads around whether he’s truly in that group… but most people around the league would say yes.”

So What’s the Magic Number?

While there’s no official number being reported by the front office, insiders suggest that the Cubs are likely watching one stat more closely than any other: bWAR (Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement) .

Crow-Armstrong currently leads the NL with a 3.8 bWAR , and if he can maintain that level of production through the All-Star break and into the second half, the Cubs may feel more comfortable pulling the trigger on a long-term extension.

In short: staying healthy, continuing to hit for power, and keeping his elite-level defense in center will go a long way toward sealing the deal.

A Win-Win for Both Sides

Whether or not a deal gets done this summer, one thing is clear — Pete Crow-Armstrong is here to stay in Chicago. He’s become a fan favorite and a foundational piece of the rebuild.

If he keeps this pace up, though, the price tag will only go up — making this the perfect time for the Cubs to consider locking him in long-term.

It was a quiet afternoon at Wrigley Field. The Elly De La Cruz Day of Loss Cincinnati Reds had already been outplayed in two games of their series against the Chicago Cubs. Sunday’s game didn’t offer much hope either — a 7-3 loss that felt like just another tough day on the road.

But amid the disappointment, one moment stood out — not because of its flash or drama, but because of what it represented.

In his third at-bat of the game, Elly De La Cruz lined a solo home run just inside the right-field foul pole. It wasn’t just any home run — it was the 50th of his young career, placing him among the youngest players in Reds history to reach that milestone.

What most fans didn’t know at the time? He was playing through unimaginable grief.

A Private Pain Made Public Through Action

Before the game, De La Cruz learned that his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sánchez , had passed away. She was a mother of two and a central figure in his life. Her death came after a long battle with health issues.

Despite the heartbreak, Elly insisted on playing.

He wore his emotions silently but visibly — writing “RIP Genelis” next to a heart on his cap, and scrawling messages on both shoes, including “RIP Manita,” a nickname for his late sister.

As he crossed home plate after the homer, he pointed to his heart, then raised his hand to the sky.

It was a gesture that spoke louder than words.

Teammates Took Notice — Even If They Didn’t Know the Full Story
Few teammates knew what Elly was going through until after the game. Shortstop Matt McLain described his performance as “very impressive,” but wouldn’t elaborate further — out of respect.

Manager Terry Francona, who has seen countless moments in baseball, was clearly moved by De La Cruz’s decision to play.

“He takes so much pride in being available,” Francona said. “For a kid that’s that young, that’s an admirable trait.”

Francona added that the team gave Elly space and support, telling reporters:

“We told him we’ll support whatever he needs to do.”

On the Field: A Performance That Meant More Than Stats
De La Cruz finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk and a hard-hit ball that was knocked down by the wind. His home run accounted for the only run the Reds scored over the final 21 innings of the series.

The emotional weight behind that swing made it unforgettable.

Nick Martinez, the Reds’ starting pitcher that day, put it simply:
“Man, that’s tough. He’s our guy.”

Looking Ahead

There’s no playbook for how to handle grief — especially not while playing under the bright lights of Major League Baseball.

As the Reds packed up to head home after the series, there was talk of possibly placing Elly on the bereavement list. But for now, the focus remains on supporting him however he needs.

Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: Elly De La Cruz showed incredible strength on a day that tested him like never before.