Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Thursday that the club has made an effort improve on Imanaga's ability to throw his fastball up in the zone, reports Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
Pitchers in Japan don't utilize the high fastball as often as in MLB, so Chicago's coaching staff has made that a point of emphasis during camp for Imanaga. The 30-year-old lefty doesn't have a ton of life on his fastball as it sits in the low-to-mid 90s, but it also has plenty of movement. Imanaga has showcased his strikeout potential during spring training with 19 punchouts over 9.2 innings, but he's also allowed five earned runs, including a pair of homers.
Jack Neely allowed two runs on three hits in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Neely struck out two, ending the game with a 13.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP on the season.
Ethan Roberts allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Roberts did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 2.08 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the season.
Jameson Taillon improved to 9-8, allowing four runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Taillon struck out three, ending the game with a 3.85 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller did not allow a hit or walk in 0.1 scoreless innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Miller struck out one, ending the game with a 1.68 ERA and 0.81 WHIP on the season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Swanson scored twice. He's now batting .228 with 11 home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 0 for 2 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. He's now batting .249 with six home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 2 for 3 with a double Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Happ added two stolen bases. He's now batting .237 with 23 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 0 Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Wisdom scored once. He's now batting .200 with seven home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Bellinger scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .272 with 13 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Hoerner scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .255 with five home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 3 for 5 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Crow-Armstrong scored twice and stole three bases. He's now batting .224 with seven home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Paredes scored three times. He's now batting .229 with 19 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 4 for 6 with a double and an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Suzuki scored three times and stole a base. He's now batting .274 with 18 home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 4 for 5 with two doubles and four RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .243 with seven home runs this season.
Luis Vazquez went 0 for 1 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. He's now batting .000 with no home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 7 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Busch scored once. He's now batting .254 with 16 home runs this season.
Javier Assad fell to 6-4, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Sunday. Assad struck out three, ending the game with a 3.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP on the season.
Julian Merryweather allowed four runs on five hits in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Sunday. Merryweather did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 6.60 ERA and 1.80 WHIP on the season.
Cody Bellinger went 0 for 2 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .271 with 13 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .217 with seven home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 3 for 5 with two doubles and an RBI Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .234 with 23 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .268 with 18 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .256 with 16 home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 1 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .227 with 18 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 2 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .200 with seven home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 0 for 0 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Tauchman scored once. He's now batting .251 with six home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Hoerner added a stolen base. He's now batting .253 with five home runs this season.
Christian Bethancourt went 1 for 2 with an RBI Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .202 with four home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 0 for 1 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .233 with seven home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 4 with a double Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Swanson scored once and stole a base. He's now batting .227 with 10 home runs this season.
Jack Neely did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Neely struck out one, ending the game with a 12.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP on the season.
Shota Imanaga improved to 10-3, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Imanaga struck out three, ending the game with a 3.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP on the season.
Ethan Roberts did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Roberts struck out one, ending the game with a 0.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP on the season.
Seiya Suzuki went 3 for 5 and four RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Suzuki scored three times. He's now batting .271 with 18 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 2 for 4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .220 with seven home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 0 for 4 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Happ scored once. He's now batting .230 with 23 home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 2 for 2 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Tauchman scored twice. He's now batting .251 with six home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 6 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .227 with 18 home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 1 for 6 with a double and an RBI Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .272 with 13 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 3 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Swanson scored once. He's now batting .227 with 10 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 1 for 1 with a home run and two RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Wisdom scored twice. He's now batting .203 with seven home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 3 for 5 with a double and two RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Busch scored twice. He's now batting .258 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 3 with a double Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .253 with five home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 3 for 4 with a double Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .233 with seven home runs this season.
Kyle Hendricks allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in 4.2 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Hendricks did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 6.33 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller allowed one hit and two walks without giving up a run in 1.1 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Miller struck out one, ending the game with a 1.69 ERA and 0.81 WHIP on the season.
Jorge Lopez recorded his fourth save, allowing no runs on no hits in 1.0 inning, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Lopez struck out two, ending the game with a 2.39 ERA and 1.22 WHIP on the season.
Porter Hodge improved to 2-1, allowing no hits and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Hodge struck out three, ending the game with a 1.99 ERA and 0.88 WHIP on the season.
Drew Smyly walked one and didn't allow a hit in 0.2 scoreless innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Smyly did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 2.84 ERA and 1.18 WHIP on the season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 3 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. Swanson added a stolen base. He's now batting .229 with 10 home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .225 with seven home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 1 for 5 with a double Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .274 with 13 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 5 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .254 with 16 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. Crow-Armstrong scored twice. He's now batting .216 with six home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .232 with 23 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 2 for 4 with a double Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. Suzuki scored once. He's now batting .266 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 0 for 4 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .228 with 18 home runs this season.
Ethan Roberts allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Roberts struck out one, ending the game with a 0.82 ERA and 1.64 WHIP on the season.
Jack Neely walked one and didn't allow a hit in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Neely struck out two, ending the game with an 18.00 ERA and 2.50 WHIP on the season.
Justin Steele improved to 4-5, allowing two runs on four hits in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Steele struck out 10, ending the game with a 3.07 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 4 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .228 with 18 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 2 for 4 with an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Hoerner scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .254 with five home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 3 for 4 with a home run and five RBIs Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .221 with six home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 1 for 3 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Suzuki scored once. He's now batting .264 with 16 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 3 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Busch scored once. He's now batting .257 with 16 home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 1 for 4 with a double Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Happ scored once. He's now batting .230 with 22 home runs this season.
David Bote went 0 for 1 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .304 with no home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Bellinger scored once. He's now batting .275 with 13 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 2 for 4 with an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Swanson scored twice and stole two bases. He's now batting .230 with 10 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 1 for 4 with a double and two RBIs Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Crow-Armstrong scored once. He's now batting .210 with five home runs this season.
Jack Neely allowed four runs on three hits and one walk in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Neely did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 36.00 ERA and 4.00 WHIP on the season.
Julian Merryweather did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Merryweather struck out one, ending the game with a 4.50 ERA and 1.57 WHIP on the season.
Nate Pearson allowed one hit without giving up a run in 2.0 innings as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Pearson struck out three, ending the game with a 4.91 ERA and 1.38 WHIP on the season.
Jameson Taillon fell to 8-8, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in 5.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Taillon struck out five, ending the game with a 3.77 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season.
Seiya Suzuki went 2 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .264 with 16 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 1 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .197 with six home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .230 with 18 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .230 with 22 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. Swanson scored once. He's now batting .228 with 10 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 1 for 2 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .210 with five home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 3 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .256 with 16 home runs this season.
Christian Bethancourt went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .196 with four home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .273 with 13 home runs this season.
David Bote went 0 for 1 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .311 with no home runs this season.
Drew Smyly allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Smyly struck out three, ending the game with a 2.88 ERA and 1.18 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.1 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Miller struck out two, ending the game with a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP on the season.
Porter Hodge recorded his second save, allowing no runs on one hit in 1.0 inning, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Hodge struck out two, ending the game with a 2.08 ERA and 0.89 WHIP on the season.
Javier Assad improved to 6-3, allowing one run on six hits and one walk in 5.2 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Assad struck out seven, ending the game with a 3.11 ERA and 1.36 WHIP on the season.
Miguel Amaya went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .212 with five home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .207 with five home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 1 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. Happ scored once. He's now batting .232 with 22 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 2 with a home run and an RBI Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .230 with 10 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .261 with 16 home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 4 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .230 with 18 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. Busch scored once. He's now batting .258 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .276 with 13 home runs this season.
Julian Merryweather did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Sunday. Merryweather did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 4.85 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the season.
Ballesteros isn't expected to be a significant contributor for the Cubs in 2025 due to his defensive deficiencies, per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
Chicago is in need of an upgrade behind the plate, but Ballesteros isn't expected to be a solution in the near future. The 20-year-old has an .854 OPS between the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season -- which is especially impressive given his age -- but he still has significant work to do behind the plate in order to be an option for the major-league club.
Crow-Armstrong has gone 7-for-23 with two doubles, a triple and two stolen bases through seven games in August.
The young outfielder struggled coming out of the All-Star break with a .416 OPS and just two extra-base hits in the final 11 games of July, but he's found his groove early in August. Crow-Armstrong continues to operate as the Cubs' primary center fielder, but he'll need to sustain this hot stretch to be a reliable fantasy contributor. He's provided value on the basepaths but is hitting .205 with a .578 OPS for the season.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bellinger's $30 million player option for 2025 "hindered" his market at the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old re-signed with the Cubs in February on a one-year, $30 million contract that includes player options for 2025 and 2026, and contending teams were apparently unwilling to commit major resources for him given that uncertainty beyond this season. Bellinger had a resurgent campaign last year with 26 homers, 20 steals and an .881 OPS, and he has a .276/.334/.429 slash line this season. The production drop isn't exactly surprising though, since his current triple-slash is more in line with his .270 xBA and .437 xSLG from 2023.
Buster Olney of ESPN listed Neris as a candidate to be put on waivers by the Cubs during August in an attempt to cut salary.
The veteran reliever stayed put through Tuesday's trade deadline, but Chicago could still elect to waive him in order avoid paying what remains of his $9 million salary, assuming he's claimed by another team. Neris also has a $9 million club option for 2025 that can vest into a player option, but he's unlikely to reach the 60 appearances or the 45 games finished required for the option to convert. He has a 3.58 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 39:24 K:BB across 37.2 innings this season.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers are interested in acquiring Hoerner from the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.
Los Angeles could use some infield help given its plethora of injuries, but Hoerner may not be a realistic trade target. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said the club is focusing on improving for 2025 and beyond, but the organization has already indicated it won't be full sellers after acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Rays. Hoerner has two years and $23.5 million remaining on his contract after this season, and Chicago likely won't swing a trade unless it can help the big-league club in the near future. The 27-year-old has scuffled a bit this season with a .250/.326/.343 slash line through 98 games, so the Cubs would also be selling low on the second baseman.
The Cubs are receiving trade interest for Merryweather, reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
The right-hander has spent most of the season on the injured list due to a stress fracture in his ribs, but he's allowed just two runs over 6.1 innings after posting a 3.38 ERA in 69 outings last season. Merryweather's 12.2 K/9 in 2023 should be particularly appealing to contending teams, though that was accompanied by a 4.5 BB/9.
The Cubs have received trade interest for Leiter but "won't let [him] go for cheap," reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
Leiter's 4.37 ERA doesn't look particularly appealing, but a 2.41 xFIP and 53:13 K:BB over 36 innings should be enough to give him a sizable trade market. The right-hander has been a reliable high-leverage arm for Chicago over the past few years and has seven saves and 44 holds in 142 appearances. He also has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining after 2024.
According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Cubs have been receiving trade interest for Neris.
The veteran right-hander has operated as Chicago's closer for much of the season, and he has 14 saves with a 3.58, 1.49 WHIP and 39:24 K:BB across 37.2 innings. Neris signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $9 million contract during the offseason, but the deal includes a $9 million club option for 2025 that converts into a player option at 60 appearances. Teams likely won't want to be on fully on the hook for a $9 million reliever next season, so Chicago may need to send some money to facilitate a deal.
Smyly has a strong chance to be traded by the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's deadline, reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
The veteran left-hander is making $10.5 million this season and has a $10 million mutual option for 2025, but the $2.5 million buyout is likely to be exercised regardless of where he ends up. Smyly has exclusively worked out of the bullpen this season after working as a swingman last year, and he's been effective as a reliever with a 2.79 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB over 38.2 innings.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have touched base with the Cubs regarding a potential trade for Taillon.
Talks didn't appear to progress significantly, and there's no guarantee Taillon is moved since he's under contract for two more years after this season. However, the veteran right-hander is likely Chicago's most valuable trade chip in a sellers' market, so the club could end up getting an offer too good to turn down.
The Astros have expressed an interest in acquiring Taillon from the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, report Chandler Rome, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Houston has dealt with a plethora of rotation injuries this season, and the group could certainly use some reinforcements after the club recently took over the division lead in the AL West from Seattle. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated this week the organization would be sellers at the deadline, and Taillon is likely the club's most valuable trade chip. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 2.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 78:21 K:BB across 100.1 innings this season, and he has two years and $36 million left on his contract after 2024.
The Cubs have yet to decide whether to be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline, but the Red Sox and the Yankees have reached out regarding Taillon, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The veteran right-hander has enjoyed a bounce-back campaign this year with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 16 starts after he posted a 4.84 ERA with Chicago last season. The Cubs are only 3.5 games back of the final NL wild-card spot, but they're also only a half-game up from being tied for last in the NL Central. Taillon has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract after 2024.
The Cubs dismissed Suzuki's interpreter Toy Matsushita on Thursday, reports Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
It's unclear what exactly prompted the change, as the team labeled the move as "an organization decision to go in a different direction." Suzuki has split his playing time between right field and designated hitter this season, and he's been productive at the plate with 13 homers, 45 RBI, 40 runs, nine steals and an .813 OPS through 72 games. It remains to be seen how the personnel decision will affect Suzuki's performance on the field, if at all.
Bellinger, who is on the injured list with fractured finger, is among the potential outfield trade targets for Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
It's unclear when Bellinger might be ready to return from the finger fracture he sustained last week, so there's a clear health hurdle for any potential trades. Further complicating matters involving the 29-year-old is his contract, which includes opt outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons plus $27.5 million and $25 million salaries for 2025 and 2026, respectively. Still, Bellinger would be among the more intriguing trade candidates if he does go on the block, and Atlanta makes sense as a destination given the injuries to its outfield.
Hoerner is likely to draw trade interest if the Cubs elect to sell ahead of the July 30 deadline, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The 27-year-old was a reliable high-average, low-power bat for the Cubs in 2022 and 2023, but he's struggled to a .246/.329/.338 slash line through 82 games this year. Hoerner inked a three-year, $35 million extension with Chicago in March of 2023 and is under contract for two years beyond this season. The Cubs would be selling a bit low on Hoerner right now, but a hot July could boost his potential trade value.
Taillon is expected to draw trade interest ahead of the July 30 deadline if the Cubs elect to be sellers, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Taillon's first campaign in Chicago last year was a bit of a disaster as he posted a 4.84 ERA over 154.1 innings, but he's rebounded in a big way this season with a 2.99 ERA and 1.18 WHIP through 14 starts. The 32-year-old has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract after 2024. The Cubs are still mulling their options, but they certainly look more like sellers since their 42-49 record has them in the NL Central cellar and 5.5 games back of the final wild-card spot.
Bellinger could be a trade target of the Yankees and Rangers if the Cubs wind up being sellers at the deadline, Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic report.
The report states that the Yankees and Rangers "have recently had a noticeable scouting presence" around the Cubs. While it's not clear that Bellinger would be the main target for either club, it certainly would make sense that his name would be bandied about at the trade deadline if the Cubs are sellers. Bellinger is in the first year of a three-year, $80 million contract, a deal which includes opt-out clauses after the first two seasons. While the 28-year-old has been unable to repeat the numbers from his 2023 season, he's been reasonably productive in 2024 in slashing .271/.331/.428 with nine homers and four steals. Bellinger would also offer some positional flexibility to a contender.
Mastrobuoni is with the Cubs as a member of the taxi squad Tuesday as Mike Tauchman is banged up with a groin injury, reports Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.
Mastrobuoni may not be added to the big-league roster but is with the club as depth in case Tauchman is moved to the injured list. Mastrobuoni has a .125/.222/.150 slash line in 45 plate appearances with the Cubs this season and isn't likely to be relevant for fantasy managers even if active.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated Thursday the team is considering other defensive options at third base as Morel already has two errors in June, reports Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Morel's defense has never been a strength, but Chicago opted to give him the reins at third base to begin 2024. Things haven't exactly been pretty, as he has minus-eight DRS and minus-11 OAA in 384 innings at the hot corner. To make matters worse, the 24-year-old is batting just .205 with a .400 SLG, though he's clubbed 12 homers and has a 13 percent walk rate. Morel's lineup spot likely isn't in jeopardy, and he's been a bit unlucky at the plate with a .265 xBA and .509 xSLG. The Cubs don't have a clear replacement at third base though, which could buy Morel more time at the position.
Hendricks said Wednesday that he's "super excited for this opportunity and challenge" after being demoted from the rotation to the bullpen, reports Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com.
The veteran right-hander admitted that his campaign "was just going terrible," as evidenced by a 10.57 ERA, 1.99 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB over 30.2 innings. Hendricks' first relief appearance wasn't great either, and he gave up two runs over four hits in two frames versus Atlanta. The Cubs hope he'll be able to get on track and return to the rotation, but at this point it doesn't appear the soft-tossing 34-year-old has much left in the tank.
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Imanaga is one of only 16 left-handed starting pitchers to throw a splitter since 2008, with his 30.3 percent usage being the highest.
The left-hander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball through the first six-plus weeks of his MLB career with a 0.96 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 51:8 K:BB across 46.2 innings. Imanaga's four-seam fastball and splitter are the only two pitches he utilizes more than eight percent of the time, and the splitter has been particularly effective with a 46.3 percent whiff rate and average launch angle of two degrees. His fastball has also been dominant, as opposing batters are hitting just .184 against it.
Imanaga was named the National League Rookie of the Month for March/April on Friday.
The Japanese lefty hasn't been impressed by the competition in his first taste of MLB, as he closed out April with a 0.98 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 28:3 K:BB over 27.2 innings. Imanaga then opened May with seven more scoreless frames versus the Mets and improved his record to 5-0,
Manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Justin Steele may be able to return from his hamstring injury next week, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could bring an end to Wesneski's time in the rotation.
Wesneski is penciled in to start Friday against the Brewers, but that may be his final turn through the rotation for a while. The right-hander has pitched well this season with a 0.87 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB across 10.1 innings, and another strong outing Friday could help him retain a spot in the bullpen even after Steele is activated from the injured list.
Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican believes the Red Sox will attempt to acquire Cooper after he was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday.
Boston reportedly showed some interest in Cooper during the offseason before he ultimately signed with Chicago on a minor-league deal, and he'd be a good fit for the Red Sox while Triston Casas is out indefinitely with a fractured rib. Cooper had a solid start to the campaign for the Cubs with a .270/.341/.432 slash line in 41 plate appearances, so there could be multiple teams interested in acquiring him. Should the 33-year-old land in Boston, he'd likely see a significant chunk of playing time given their current replacement at first base, Bobby Dalbec, has a .188 OPS in 14 games.
Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic speculates that manager Craig Counsell will have a quicker hook for Hendricks going forward as batters are 7-for-9 against him so far in 2024 with three homers the third time through the lineup.
Hendricks' numbers the first and second time through the order also aren't good with an OPS of .946 and .963, respectively, but that's still markedly better than the third time through. The 34-year-old has surrendered 17 earned runs, including five homers, across 12.2 innings this season, though an unsustainable .429 BABIP and 4.38 xFIP offer a bit of optimism for a turnaround. Even if Hendricks gets back on track, his 16.1 percent strikeout rate last season severely limits his fantasy upside.
The Cubs are expected to call up a pitcher Friday to replace Jose Cuas, according to Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald, and Thompson is a likely candidate since he's already on the 40-man roster.
Cuas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, and Thompson is the only other reliever at Iowa already on the 40-man roster. Thompson had a 4.71 ERA and 26:19 K:BB over 28.2 big-league innings last season and missed out on the Opening Day roster. He's struck out seven batters through six frames at Iowa this season, but his control issues have persisted as he's also walked four batters.
The Cubs are expected to add a pitcher to the big-league roster Friday, and McWilliams could be an option to have his contract selected, per Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald.
The right-hander was briefly retired from baseball but joined Chicago on a minor-league deal in January, and he has an 18:4 K:BB across 11 innings through four outings with Triple-A Iowa. An eighth-round pick in 2014, McWilliams previously stalled out at the Triple-A level but could soon get the opportunity to make his MLB debut.
Justin Steele is headed for the injured list after suffering a strained hamstring Thursday, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, and Brown could be in the mix to fill the vacant rotation spot.
The 24-year-old righty was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in early March and never seemed to have much of a chance to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but he pitched well during spring training with just one run allowed and a 12:5 K:BB across 14 innings. Brown struggled upon being promoted to Triple-A Iowa last season with a 5.33 ERA in 22 outings, but his spring success and standing as a top prospect could put him on the radar for early-season starts with Chicago's rotation depth being tested.
Justin Steele is set to be placed on the injured list after suffering a hamstring strain Thursday, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could open the door for Wesneski to join the starting rotation.
The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Iowa earlier this week after he posted a 9.82 ERA in 11 frames during spring training, but the Cubs are in need of early reinforcements for their rotation. Wesneski worked as a swingman for Chicago last season with starts in 11 of his 34 appearances, and he posted a 4.63 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 83:32 K:BB over 89.1 innings.
Justin Steele is expected to be placed on the injured list after he suffered a hamstring strain Thursday, reports Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, potentially opening a path to start for Smyly.
Smyly missed out on a rotation spot to begin the season but could quickly step into the rotation due to the Cubs' ace going down with an injury in the season opener. The 34-year-old Smyly had a 5.00 ERA in 142.1 innings last season and surrendered 12 runs over 14.2 frames during spring training, so Chicago could also look elsewhere if it needs rotation help beyond a spot start or two.
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Thursday that the club has made an effort improve on Imanaga's ability to throw his fastball up in the zone, reports Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
Pitchers in Japan don't utilize the high fastball as often as in MLB, so Chicago's coaching staff has made that a point of emphasis during camp for Imanaga. The 30-year-old lefty doesn't have a ton of life on his fastball as it sits in the low-to-mid 90s, but it also has plenty of movement. Imanaga has showcased his strikeout potential during spring training with 19 punchouts over 9.2 innings, but he's also allowed five earned runs, including a pair of homers.
Jack Neely allowed two runs on three hits in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Neely struck out two, ending the game with a 13.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP on the season.
Ethan Roberts allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Roberts did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 2.08 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the season.
Jameson Taillon improved to 9-8, allowing four runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Taillon struck out three, ending the game with a 3.85 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller did not allow a hit or walk in 0.1 scoreless innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 on Monday. Miller struck out one, ending the game with a 1.68 ERA and 0.81 WHIP on the season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Swanson scored twice. He's now batting .228 with 11 home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 0 for 2 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. He's now batting .249 with six home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 2 for 3 with a double Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Happ added two stolen bases. He's now batting .237 with 23 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 0 Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Wisdom scored once. He's now batting .200 with seven home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Bellinger scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .272 with 13 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Hoerner scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .255 with five home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 3 for 5 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Crow-Armstrong scored twice and stole three bases. He's now batting .224 with seven home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Paredes scored three times. He's now batting .229 with 19 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 4 for 6 with a double and an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Suzuki scored three times and stole a base. He's now batting .274 with 18 home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 4 for 5 with two doubles and four RBIs Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .243 with seven home runs this season.
Luis Vazquez went 0 for 1 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. He's now batting .000 with no home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 7 with an RBI Monday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Busch scored once. He's now batting .254 with 16 home runs this season.
Javier Assad fell to 6-4, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Sunday. Assad struck out three, ending the game with a 3.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP on the season.
Julian Merryweather allowed four runs on five hits in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Sunday. Merryweather did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 6.60 ERA and 1.80 WHIP on the season.
Cody Bellinger went 0 for 2 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .271 with 13 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .217 with seven home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 3 for 5 with two doubles and an RBI Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .234 with 23 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .268 with 18 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .256 with 16 home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 1 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .227 with 18 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 2 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .200 with seven home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 0 for 0 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Tauchman scored once. He's now batting .251 with six home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 4 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Hoerner added a stolen base. He's now batting .253 with five home runs this season.
Christian Bethancourt went 1 for 2 with an RBI Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .202 with four home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 0 for 1 Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. He's now batting .233 with seven home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 4 with a double Sunday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Miami Marlins 7-2. Swanson scored once and stole a base. He's now batting .227 with 10 home runs this season.
Jack Neely did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Neely struck out one, ending the game with a 12.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP on the season.
Shota Imanaga improved to 10-3, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Imanaga struck out three, ending the game with a 3.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP on the season.
Ethan Roberts did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 14-2 on Saturday. Roberts struck out one, ending the game with a 0.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP on the season.
Seiya Suzuki went 3 for 5 and four RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Suzuki scored three times. He's now batting .271 with 18 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 2 for 4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .220 with seven home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 0 for 4 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Happ scored once. He's now batting .230 with 23 home runs this season.
Mike Tauchman went 2 for 2 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Tauchman scored twice. He's now batting .251 with six home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 6 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .227 with 18 home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 1 for 6 with a double and an RBI Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .272 with 13 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 3 Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Swanson scored once. He's now batting .227 with 10 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 1 for 1 with a home run and two RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. Wisdom scored twice. He's now batting .203 with seven home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 3 for 5 with a double and two RBIs Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Busch scored twice. He's now batting .258 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 3 with a double Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 14-2. He's now batting .253 with five home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 3 for 4 with a double Saturday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 14-2. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .233 with seven home runs this season.
Kyle Hendricks allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in 4.2 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Hendricks did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 6.33 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller allowed one hit and two walks without giving up a run in 1.1 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Miller struck out one, ending the game with a 1.69 ERA and 0.81 WHIP on the season.
Jorge Lopez recorded his fourth save, allowing no runs on no hits in 1.0 inning, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Lopez struck out two, ending the game with a 2.39 ERA and 1.22 WHIP on the season.
Porter Hodge improved to 2-1, allowing no hits and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Hodge struck out three, ending the game with a 1.99 ERA and 0.88 WHIP on the season.
Drew Smyly walked one and didn't allow a hit in 0.2 scoreless innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 on Friday. Smyly did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 2.84 ERA and 1.18 WHIP on the season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 3 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. Swanson added a stolen base. He's now batting .229 with 10 home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. Amaya scored twice. He's now batting .225 with seven home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 1 for 5 with a double Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .274 with 13 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 5 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .254 with 16 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. Crow-Armstrong scored twice. He's now batting .216 with six home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .232 with 23 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 2 for 4 with a double Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. Suzuki scored once. He's now batting .266 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 0 for 4 Friday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI Friday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Miami Marlins 6-3. He's now batting .228 with 18 home runs this season.
Ethan Roberts allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Roberts struck out one, ending the game with a 0.82 ERA and 1.64 WHIP on the season.
Jack Neely walked one and didn't allow a hit in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Neely struck out two, ending the game with an 18.00 ERA and 2.50 WHIP on the season.
Justin Steele improved to 4-5, allowing two runs on four hits in 7.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Thursday. Steele struck out 10, ending the game with a 3.07 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 4 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .228 with 18 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 2 for 4 with an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Hoerner scored twice and stole a base. He's now batting .254 with five home runs this season.
Miguel Amaya went 3 for 4 with a home run and five RBIs Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .221 with six home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 1 for 3 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Suzuki scored once. He's now batting .264 with 16 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 3 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Busch scored once. He's now batting .257 with 16 home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 1 for 4 with a double Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Happ scored once. He's now batting .230 with 22 home runs this season.
David Bote went 0 for 1 Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. He's now batting .304 with no home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Bellinger scored once. He's now batting .275 with 13 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 2 for 4 with an RBI Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Swanson scored twice and stole two bases. He's now batting .230 with 10 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 1 for 4 with a double and two RBIs Thursday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 10-2. Crow-Armstrong scored once. He's now batting .210 with five home runs this season.
Jack Neely allowed four runs on three hits and one walk in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Neely did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 36.00 ERA and 4.00 WHIP on the season.
Julian Merryweather did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Merryweather struck out one, ending the game with a 4.50 ERA and 1.57 WHIP on the season.
Nate Pearson allowed one hit without giving up a run in 2.0 innings as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Pearson struck out three, ending the game with a 4.91 ERA and 1.38 WHIP on the season.
Jameson Taillon fell to 8-8, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in 5.0 innings, as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2 on Wednesday. Taillon struck out five, ending the game with a 3.77 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season.
Seiya Suzuki went 2 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .264 with 16 home runs this season.
Patrick Wisdom went 0 for 1 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .197 with six home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 1 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .230 with 18 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 1 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .230 with 22 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. Swanson scored once. He's now batting .228 with 10 home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 1 for 2 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .210 with five home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 0 for 3 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .256 with 16 home runs this season.
Christian Bethancourt went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .196 with four home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 0 for 4 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .273 with 13 home runs this season.
David Bote went 0 for 1 Wednesday as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-2. He's now batting .311 with no home runs this season.
Drew Smyly allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.0 inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Smyly struck out three, ending the game with a 2.88 ERA and 1.18 WHIP on the season.
Tyson Miller allowed one hit without giving up a run in 1.1 innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Miller struck out two, ending the game with a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP on the season.
Porter Hodge recorded his second save, allowing no runs on one hit in 1.0 inning, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Hodge struck out two, ending the game with a 2.08 ERA and 0.89 WHIP on the season.
Javier Assad improved to 6-3, allowing one run on six hits and one walk in 5.2 innings, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Assad struck out seven, ending the game with a 3.11 ERA and 1.36 WHIP on the season.
Miguel Amaya went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .212 with five home runs this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .207 with five home runs this season.
Ian Happ went 1 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. Happ scored once. He's now batting .232 with 22 home runs this season.
Dansby Swanson went 1 for 2 with a home run and an RBI Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .230 with 10 home runs this season.
Seiya Suzuki went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .261 with 16 home runs this season.
Isaac Paredes went 0 for 4 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .230 with 18 home runs this season.
Michael Busch went 1 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1. Busch scored once. He's now batting .258 with 16 home runs this season.
Nico Hoerner went 0 for 3 Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .252 with five home runs this season.
Cody Bellinger went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs Tuesday as the Chicago Cubs topped the Detroit Tigers 3-1. He's now batting .276 with 13 home runs this season.
Julian Merryweather did not allow a hit or walk in 1.0 scoreless inning as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Sunday. Merryweather did not strike out a batter, ending the game with a 4.85 ERA and 1.69 WHIP on the season.
Ballesteros isn't expected to be a significant contributor for the Cubs in 2025 due to his defensive deficiencies, per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
Chicago is in need of an upgrade behind the plate, but Ballesteros isn't expected to be a solution in the near future. The 20-year-old has an .854 OPS between the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season -- which is especially impressive given his age -- but he still has significant work to do behind the plate in order to be an option for the major-league club.
Crow-Armstrong has gone 7-for-23 with two doubles, a triple and two stolen bases through seven games in August.
The young outfielder struggled coming out of the All-Star break with a .416 OPS and just two extra-base hits in the final 11 games of July, but he's found his groove early in August. Crow-Armstrong continues to operate as the Cubs' primary center fielder, but he'll need to sustain this hot stretch to be a reliable fantasy contributor. He's provided value on the basepaths but is hitting .205 with a .578 OPS for the season.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bellinger's $30 million player option for 2025 "hindered" his market at the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old re-signed with the Cubs in February on a one-year, $30 million contract that includes player options for 2025 and 2026, and contending teams were apparently unwilling to commit major resources for him given that uncertainty beyond this season. Bellinger had a resurgent campaign last year with 26 homers, 20 steals and an .881 OPS, and he has a .276/.334/.429 slash line this season. The production drop isn't exactly surprising though, since his current triple-slash is more in line with his .270 xBA and .437 xSLG from 2023.
Buster Olney of ESPN listed Neris as a candidate to be put on waivers by the Cubs during August in an attempt to cut salary.
The veteran reliever stayed put through Tuesday's trade deadline, but Chicago could still elect to waive him in order avoid paying what remains of his $9 million salary, assuming he's claimed by another team. Neris also has a $9 million club option for 2025 that can vest into a player option, but he's unlikely to reach the 60 appearances or the 45 games finished required for the option to convert. He has a 3.58 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 39:24 K:BB across 37.2 innings this season.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers are interested in acquiring Hoerner from the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.
Los Angeles could use some infield help given its plethora of injuries, but Hoerner may not be a realistic trade target. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said the club is focusing on improving for 2025 and beyond, but the organization has already indicated it won't be full sellers after acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Rays. Hoerner has two years and $23.5 million remaining on his contract after this season, and Chicago likely won't swing a trade unless it can help the big-league club in the near future. The 27-year-old has scuffled a bit this season with a .250/.326/.343 slash line through 98 games, so the Cubs would also be selling low on the second baseman.
The Cubs are receiving trade interest for Merryweather, reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
The right-hander has spent most of the season on the injured list due to a stress fracture in his ribs, but he's allowed just two runs over 6.1 innings after posting a 3.38 ERA in 69 outings last season. Merryweather's 12.2 K/9 in 2023 should be particularly appealing to contending teams, though that was accompanied by a 4.5 BB/9.
The Cubs have received trade interest for Leiter but "won't let [him] go for cheap," reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
Leiter's 4.37 ERA doesn't look particularly appealing, but a 2.41 xFIP and 53:13 K:BB over 36 innings should be enough to give him a sizable trade market. The right-hander has been a reliable high-leverage arm for Chicago over the past few years and has seven saves and 44 holds in 142 appearances. He also has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining after 2024.
According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Cubs have been receiving trade interest for Neris.
The veteran right-hander has operated as Chicago's closer for much of the season, and he has 14 saves with a 3.58, 1.49 WHIP and 39:24 K:BB across 37.2 innings. Neris signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $9 million contract during the offseason, but the deal includes a $9 million club option for 2025 that converts into a player option at 60 appearances. Teams likely won't want to be on fully on the hook for a $9 million reliever next season, so Chicago may need to send some money to facilitate a deal.
Smyly has a strong chance to be traded by the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's deadline, reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
The veteran left-hander is making $10.5 million this season and has a $10 million mutual option for 2025, but the $2.5 million buyout is likely to be exercised regardless of where he ends up. Smyly has exclusively worked out of the bullpen this season after working as a swingman last year, and he's been effective as a reliever with a 2.79 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB over 38.2 innings.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have touched base with the Cubs regarding a potential trade for Taillon.
Talks didn't appear to progress significantly, and there's no guarantee Taillon is moved since he's under contract for two more years after this season. However, the veteran right-hander is likely Chicago's most valuable trade chip in a sellers' market, so the club could end up getting an offer too good to turn down.
The Astros have expressed an interest in acquiring Taillon from the Cubs ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, report Chandler Rome, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Houston has dealt with a plethora of rotation injuries this season, and the group could certainly use some reinforcements after the club recently took over the division lead in the AL West from Seattle. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated this week the organization would be sellers at the deadline, and Taillon is likely the club's most valuable trade chip. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 2.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 78:21 K:BB across 100.1 innings this season, and he has two years and $36 million left on his contract after 2024.
The Cubs have yet to decide whether to be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline, but the Red Sox and the Yankees have reached out regarding Taillon, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The veteran right-hander has enjoyed a bounce-back campaign this year with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 16 starts after he posted a 4.84 ERA with Chicago last season. The Cubs are only 3.5 games back of the final NL wild-card spot, but they're also only a half-game up from being tied for last in the NL Central. Taillon has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract after 2024.
The Cubs dismissed Suzuki's interpreter Toy Matsushita on Thursday, reports Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
It's unclear what exactly prompted the change, as the team labeled the move as "an organization decision to go in a different direction." Suzuki has split his playing time between right field and designated hitter this season, and he's been productive at the plate with 13 homers, 45 RBI, 40 runs, nine steals and an .813 OPS through 72 games. It remains to be seen how the personnel decision will affect Suzuki's performance on the field, if at all.
Bellinger, who is on the injured list with fractured finger, is among the potential outfield trade targets for Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
It's unclear when Bellinger might be ready to return from the finger fracture he sustained last week, so there's a clear health hurdle for any potential trades. Further complicating matters involving the 29-year-old is his contract, which includes opt outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons plus $27.5 million and $25 million salaries for 2025 and 2026, respectively. Still, Bellinger would be among the more intriguing trade candidates if he does go on the block, and Atlanta makes sense as a destination given the injuries to its outfield.
Hoerner is likely to draw trade interest if the Cubs elect to sell ahead of the July 30 deadline, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The 27-year-old was a reliable high-average, low-power bat for the Cubs in 2022 and 2023, but he's struggled to a .246/.329/.338 slash line through 82 games this year. Hoerner inked a three-year, $35 million extension with Chicago in March of 2023 and is under contract for two years beyond this season. The Cubs would be selling a bit low on Hoerner right now, but a hot July could boost his potential trade value.
Taillon is expected to draw trade interest ahead of the July 30 deadline if the Cubs elect to be sellers, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Taillon's first campaign in Chicago last year was a bit of a disaster as he posted a 4.84 ERA over 154.1 innings, but he's rebounded in a big way this season with a 2.99 ERA and 1.18 WHIP through 14 starts. The 32-year-old has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract after 2024. The Cubs are still mulling their options, but they certainly look more like sellers since their 42-49 record has them in the NL Central cellar and 5.5 games back of the final wild-card spot.
Bellinger could be a trade target of the Yankees and Rangers if the Cubs wind up being sellers at the deadline, Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic report.
The report states that the Yankees and Rangers "have recently had a noticeable scouting presence" around the Cubs. While it's not clear that Bellinger would be the main target for either club, it certainly would make sense that his name would be bandied about at the trade deadline if the Cubs are sellers. Bellinger is in the first year of a three-year, $80 million contract, a deal which includes opt-out clauses after the first two seasons. While the 28-year-old has been unable to repeat the numbers from his 2023 season, he's been reasonably productive in 2024 in slashing .271/.331/.428 with nine homers and four steals. Bellinger would also offer some positional flexibility to a contender.
Mastrobuoni is with the Cubs as a member of the taxi squad Tuesday as Mike Tauchman is banged up with a groin injury, reports Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.
Mastrobuoni may not be added to the big-league roster but is with the club as depth in case Tauchman is moved to the injured list. Mastrobuoni has a .125/.222/.150 slash line in 45 plate appearances with the Cubs this season and isn't likely to be relevant for fantasy managers even if active.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated Thursday the team is considering other defensive options at third base as Morel already has two errors in June, reports Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Morel's defense has never been a strength, but Chicago opted to give him the reins at third base to begin 2024. Things haven't exactly been pretty, as he has minus-eight DRS and minus-11 OAA in 384 innings at the hot corner. To make matters worse, the 24-year-old is batting just .205 with a .400 SLG, though he's clubbed 12 homers and has a 13 percent walk rate. Morel's lineup spot likely isn't in jeopardy, and he's been a bit unlucky at the plate with a .265 xBA and .509 xSLG. The Cubs don't have a clear replacement at third base though, which could buy Morel more time at the position.
Hendricks said Wednesday that he's "super excited for this opportunity and challenge" after being demoted from the rotation to the bullpen, reports Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com.
The veteran right-hander admitted that his campaign "was just going terrible," as evidenced by a 10.57 ERA, 1.99 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB over 30.2 innings. Hendricks' first relief appearance wasn't great either, and he gave up two runs over four hits in two frames versus Atlanta. The Cubs hope he'll be able to get on track and return to the rotation, but at this point it doesn't appear the soft-tossing 34-year-old has much left in the tank.
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Imanaga is one of only 16 left-handed starting pitchers to throw a splitter since 2008, with his 30.3 percent usage being the highest.
The left-hander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball through the first six-plus weeks of his MLB career with a 0.96 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 51:8 K:BB across 46.2 innings. Imanaga's four-seam fastball and splitter are the only two pitches he utilizes more than eight percent of the time, and the splitter has been particularly effective with a 46.3 percent whiff rate and average launch angle of two degrees. His fastball has also been dominant, as opposing batters are hitting just .184 against it.
Imanaga was named the National League Rookie of the Month for March/April on Friday.
The Japanese lefty hasn't been impressed by the competition in his first taste of MLB, as he closed out April with a 0.98 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 28:3 K:BB over 27.2 innings. Imanaga then opened May with seven more scoreless frames versus the Mets and improved his record to 5-0,
Manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Justin Steele may be able to return from his hamstring injury next week, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could bring an end to Wesneski's time in the rotation.
Wesneski is penciled in to start Friday against the Brewers, but that may be his final turn through the rotation for a while. The right-hander has pitched well this season with a 0.87 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB across 10.1 innings, and another strong outing Friday could help him retain a spot in the bullpen even after Steele is activated from the injured list.
Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican believes the Red Sox will attempt to acquire Cooper after he was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday.
Boston reportedly showed some interest in Cooper during the offseason before he ultimately signed with Chicago on a minor-league deal, and he'd be a good fit for the Red Sox while Triston Casas is out indefinitely with a fractured rib. Cooper had a solid start to the campaign for the Cubs with a .270/.341/.432 slash line in 41 plate appearances, so there could be multiple teams interested in acquiring him. Should the 33-year-old land in Boston, he'd likely see a significant chunk of playing time given their current replacement at first base, Bobby Dalbec, has a .188 OPS in 14 games.
Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic speculates that manager Craig Counsell will have a quicker hook for Hendricks going forward as batters are 7-for-9 against him so far in 2024 with three homers the third time through the lineup.
Hendricks' numbers the first and second time through the order also aren't good with an OPS of .946 and .963, respectively, but that's still markedly better than the third time through. The 34-year-old has surrendered 17 earned runs, including five homers, across 12.2 innings this season, though an unsustainable .429 BABIP and 4.38 xFIP offer a bit of optimism for a turnaround. Even if Hendricks gets back on track, his 16.1 percent strikeout rate last season severely limits his fantasy upside.
The Cubs are expected to call up a pitcher Friday to replace Jose Cuas, according to Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald, and Thompson is a likely candidate since he's already on the 40-man roster.
Cuas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, and Thompson is the only other reliever at Iowa already on the 40-man roster. Thompson had a 4.71 ERA and 26:19 K:BB over 28.2 big-league innings last season and missed out on the Opening Day roster. He's struck out seven batters through six frames at Iowa this season, but his control issues have persisted as he's also walked four batters.
The Cubs are expected to add a pitcher to the big-league roster Friday, and McWilliams could be an option to have his contract selected, per Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald.
The right-hander was briefly retired from baseball but joined Chicago on a minor-league deal in January, and he has an 18:4 K:BB across 11 innings through four outings with Triple-A Iowa. An eighth-round pick in 2014, McWilliams previously stalled out at the Triple-A level but could soon get the opportunity to make his MLB debut.
Justin Steele is headed for the injured list after suffering a strained hamstring Thursday, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, and Brown could be in the mix to fill the vacant rotation spot.
The 24-year-old righty was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in early March and never seemed to have much of a chance to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but he pitched well during spring training with just one run allowed and a 12:5 K:BB across 14 innings. Brown struggled upon being promoted to Triple-A Iowa last season with a 5.33 ERA in 22 outings, but his spring success and standing as a top prospect could put him on the radar for early-season starts with Chicago's rotation depth being tested.
Justin Steele is set to be placed on the injured list after suffering a hamstring strain Thursday, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could open the door for Wesneski to join the starting rotation.
The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Iowa earlier this week after he posted a 9.82 ERA in 11 frames during spring training, but the Cubs are in need of early reinforcements for their rotation. Wesneski worked as a swingman for Chicago last season with starts in 11 of his 34 appearances, and he posted a 4.63 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 83:32 K:BB over 89.1 innings.
Justin Steele is expected to be placed on the injured list after he suffered a hamstring strain Thursday, reports Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, potentially opening a path to start for Smyly.
Smyly missed out on a rotation spot to begin the season but could quickly step into the rotation due to the Cubs' ace going down with an injury in the season opener. The 34-year-old Smyly had a 5.00 ERA in 142.1 innings last season and surrendered 12 runs over 14.2 frames during spring training, so Chicago could also look elsewhere if it needs rotation help beyond a spot start or two.
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Thursday that the club has made an effort improve on Imanaga's ability to throw his fastball up in the zone, reports Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
Pitchers in Japan don't utilize the high fastball as often as in MLB, so Chicago's coaching staff has made that a point of emphasis during camp for Imanaga. The 30-year-old lefty doesn't have a ton of life on his fastball as it sits in the low-to-mid 90s, but it also has plenty of movement. Imanaga has showcased his strikeout potential during spring training with 19 punchouts over 9.2 innings, but he's also allowed five earned runs, including a pair of homers.
The Guardians' lead in the AL Central is down to one game as the Royals try to draw even with Cleveland.
The Brewers stop home for three games against the Giants. Here's how to watch the series.
Nick Lodolo could miss the rest of the season after getting placed on the injured list on Tuesday.
The Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday placed starting pitcher Nick Lodolo on the injured list with a sprained left middle finger.
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt evaluates starting pitcher Gavin Williams' 2024 season, including what has unfolded in his recent outings.
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