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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.

Every NBA draft class Luka Doncic vs Zach LaVine has its stars and its stumbles. But few decisions have aged as differently as the one between Luka Dončić and Zach LaVine. One became an instant franchise cornerstone; the other became a talented scorer stuck on underachieving teams.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two players stack up — not just by stats, but by impact, leadership, and long-term value.

The Draft That Changed Two Franchises

Back in 2018, the Chicago Bulls had a golden chance to land a generational talent when they held the 7th overall pick. Luka Dončić was still on the board, a European phenom who had already proven himself with Real Madrid. But instead of taking him, the Bulls went with Wendell Carter Jr., later trading up to grab Coby White and eventually sticking with Zach LaVine as their lead guard.

At the time, Luka was seen as a risk — playing overseas, no college experience, questions about his defense. Meanwhile, LaVine was already in the league, known for his athleticism and scoring ability. He had even won the dunk contest twice.

But hindsight is always 20/20, and in this case, it’s painfully clear which player turned out to be the better investment.

Luka Doncic: A Star from Day One

From the moment he stepped foot in Dallas, Luka looked like he belonged — and then some. He dropped 10+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in his first five games. By season’s end, he was Rookie of the Year.

Now, nearly seven seasons in, Dončić is a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and one of the most dominant players in the game. His stat line? A ridiculous 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game over his career.

He led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and even took them to the NBA Finals in 2024 before being shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade came after tensions grew between Dončić and the Mavericks’ front office. But even then, many teams — including the Bulls — were ready to offer everything to get him.

Zach LaVine: Talent Without the Trophy

Zach LaVine, on the other hand, has been a consistent scorer. He can put up points in bunches, win dunk contests, and light up highlight reels. But despite his individual flair, he’s yet to make a real dent in team success.

LaVine has never made a conference finals or even been close to an MVP conversation. Injuries have derailed his momentum, and while he’s shown flashes of leadership, he hasn’t become the kind of player that elevates those around him consistently.

For the Bulls, LaVine’s tenure has been frustrating. Despite high hopes, the team has remained stuck in NBA purgatory — too good for a lottery pick, too inconsistent for playoff contention.

Why Luka Was the Clear Winner

When you compare both players’ production, longevity, and influence, there’s really no debate:

Offense : Luka dominates as a playmaker and scorer.
Playoff Impact : Luka has led deep playoff runs; LaVine hasn’t moved the needle.

Leadership : Luka commands respect; LaVine often plays well in spite of his situation.

Value : Luka is a once-in-a-generation talent; LaVine is a top-20 scorer at best.

And let’s not forget — the Bulls reportedly would’ve offered everything they had to get Luka in a mid-season deal last year. That includes Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Lonzo Ball, and multiple future picks.

That tells you all you need to know about how much more valuable Luka is compared to LaVine.

Verdict: Luka Was the Better Pick — And Then Some
If the Bulls had taken Luka back in 2018, they might already be building around a superstar with Hall of Fame potential. Instead, they’re still searching for that missing piece.

The Chicago Cubs had to make a quick decision after Miguel Amaya landed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain suffered on May 24. While the team expected to be without their young catcher for some time, manager Craig Counsell confirmed a four-to-six-week timeline for recovery.

With Amaya sidelined, the Cubs looked to their top catching prospect — 21-year-old Moisés Ballesteros — for a short-term call-up earlier this month. Though Ballesteros got his first taste of Major League Baseball, he was used strictly as a designated hitter during his five-game stint.

Why Not Catch Yet?

Despite Ballesteros’ defensive background in the minors, the Cubs are taking a cautious approach with the youngster.

“Moisés is 21 and playing the hardest position in baseball,” Counsell explained. “It’s the oldest-positioned spot in the league — it just takes more reps.”

Instead of rushing him behind the plate at the MLB level, the front office opted to bring up veteran catcher Reese McGuire from Triple-A. McGuire, who signed a minor league deal over the offseason, brings valuable experience with 328 games caught across eight big-league seasons.

The Balancing Act Behind the Plate

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer made it clear that selecting McGuire wasn’t a reflection of any lack of faith in Ballesteros.

“We brought Moisés up because we believe in his bat,” Hoyer said. “His offense is ahead of his catching — but that’s natural. Catchers tend to peak later for a reason.”

During his short MLB stay, Ballesteros went 3-for-16 with three RBIs and showed plate discipline by striking out just once. In Triple-A this season, he’s hitting .350 with a .901 OPS — proving he can handle top-level pitching even if he’s not fully ready defensively.

What’s Next for Ballesteros?

Hoyer emphasized the importance of developing Ballesteros’ full game in the minors before making the leap as a full-time MLB catcher.

“There’s so much that goes into being a good catcher — calling a game, framing pitches, blocking balls in the dirt,” Hoyer said. “Moisés has the tools, but he needs time and reps.”

In the meantime, the Cubs will continue rotating between Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire, ensuring they don’t overwork either backstop early in the season.

The Cubs Bullpen Problems are making another move in hopes of stabilizing their inconsistent bullpen — and this time, they’re turning to someone with a familiar face from the other side.

A Surprising Reunion: Génesis Cabrera Is Now a Cub

After being designated for assignment by the New York Mets earlier this week, Génesis Cabrera has found a new home — on the North Side of Chicago. The move might raise a few eyebrows among Cubs fans, especially considering that Cabrera spent the first five and a half seasons of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

That’s right — one of the team’s longtime rivals is now wearing the blue and white.

For fans who remember the many tense matchups between the Cubs and Cardinals over the years, seeing Cabrera in a Cubs uniform might feel like a strange twist of fate. But in baseball, today’s enemy can quickly become tomorrow’s teammate — and in this case, the Cubs are hoping he’ll be part of the solution to their late-inning struggles.

Why Cabrera Makes Sense for the Cubs

Cabrera joins the Cubs at a time when the team is looking for reliable arms out of the bullpen. With Craig Counsell leaning heavily on closer-by-committee options like Daniel Palencia, Brad Keller, and Drew Pomeranz, the club clearly needs more depth.

This isn’t the first time the Cubs have taken a chance on a pitcher in a similar situation.

Last season, Tyson Miller was DFA’d by the Seattle Mariners before being picked up by Chicago. He went on to become one of the most dependable relievers in the pen. Now, the hope is that Cabrera can follow a similar path.

In six appearances with the Mets this season, Cabrera posted a 3.52 ERA while consistently throwing his fastball in the mid-to-upper 90s. That kind of velocity could bring some much-needed punch to a Cubs bullpen that’s been missing a bit of bite lately.

What This Means for the Roster

With the addition of Cabrera, it’s likely that Brooks Kriske will be the corresponding move off the roster. While Kriske had moments of effectiveness earlier in the year, the team seems ready to give Cabrera a shot in high-leverage situations.

It’s also worth noting that the timing of this move makes sense. As June approaches, teams begin to look outside the organization for help, especially if internal options aren’t delivering consistent results.

Jed Hoyer and the front office appear to be taking that approach as well. With Porter Hodge sidelined due to an oblique strain and not progressing as hoped, the team is exploring every avenue to shore up the back end of the bullpen.

Can a Former Foe Fix What’s Broken?

There’s no guarantee that Cabrera will be the answer. But what he brings to the table is experience, velocity, and a fresh perspective. He’s pitched in high-pressure games, faced top hitters, and shown flashes of dominance.

If the Cubs can get him into a role where he thrives — whether as a setup man or situational lefty — it could pay dividends down the stretch.

And let’s not forget, sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to reignite a player’s career.

So while it may seem odd to see a former Cardinal in a Cubs jersey, the bigger picture is clear: the Cubs are trying everything they can to fix their bullpen issues. If that means embracing a little irony along the way, so be it.