The Chicago Cubs entered the 2025 trade deadline with one of the best farm systems in baseball, with significant holes on the major league roster. They exited the trade deadline still having one of the best farm systems in baseball, while marginally addressing the needs of the major league club.
Despite having one guaranteed season of Kyle Tucker, the Cubs didn’t go all in like many other teams in the loaded National League. Nevertheless, Cubs President Jed Hoyer did manage to squeeze out some deals to give the Cubs the second-half boost they needed after a sluggish start after the All-Star break.
Mike Soroka Trade
The first, and arguably only, splash the cubs made this deadline was for pitcher Mike Soroka of the Washington Nationals. The 27-year-old has posted a 4.87 ERA in 16 games, with all of them coming as a starter. While his raw statistics don’t seem great, his underlying metrics are much better. Additionally, as a reliever last season, Soroka dominated. The Cubs are likely looking for Soroka to fill the long relief/spot starter role.
In return, Chicago sent over Christian Franklin and Ronny Cruz, neither of whom was a part of the Cubs’ immediate plans. Franklin is Rule 5 eligible and likely doesn’t have a place with the Cubs’ loaded organizational outfield depth. Overall, a solid if unspectacular start to the trade deadline for Jed and company.
Grade: B-
Andrew Kittredge Trade
After more than a month of performing well, the Cubs’ bullpen has fallen back to earth. With that being the case, adding a trusted arm in the bullpen was a must. Kittredge fits that bill for Chicago. Since July, he has had a 1.88 ERA. His role will likely be as a 7th or 8th inning setup man for Daniel Palencia. His arsenal features a deadly slider, a pitch which the Cubs have lauded in recent seasons. Overall, a good addition for a team that needed to add reinforcements to an overachieving bullpen.
Grade: B
Willi Castro Trade
The only position player trade the Cubs made during this deadline was for super utility man Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs were in desperate need of a lefty-hitting bench option, and Castro’s defensive versatility will be huge. He can play any spot in the infield or outfield, and his .837 OPS against lefties will be crucial to the lineup. This move cost the Cubs two Double-A pitchers: Sam Armstrong and Ryan Gallagher. Castro should see meaningful playing time and be manager Craig Counsell’s go-to when one of the everyday starters needs a day off.
Grade: B+
Taylor Roger Trade
Once again, a Rogers brother was traded to a National League team during the deadline. The Cubs completed the move in the waning moments of the trade deadline by acquiring the veteran lefty from the Pittsburgh Pirates after he was involved in the trade that sent Kebryan Hayes to Cincinnati. The veteran southpaw has posted a 2.46 ERA this season and will be another nice addition to Chicago’s pen. That seems good in a vacuum, but when the return is hulking slugger Ivan Brethowr, the price for a 34-year-old rental seems steep.
Grade: C+
Overall Assessment
At the end of the day, Chicago won’t get much criticism for the moves it made. They will, however, receive harsh complaints for the moves they didn’t make. In their only guaranteed season with Kyle Tucker, the Cubs came away with three bullpen arms and a backup infielder. Hardly the deadline the Chicago faithful were hoping for.
Grade: C+
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