Cubs eyeing playoff push in 2025 with recent moves

The Chicago Cubs were expected to be busy ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

The Cubs entered Sunday with a 50-56 record, six games out of the final wild-card spot. Six teams were ahead of the Cubs for a playoff berth, one of which (the Giants) is looking to sell off pieces ahead of the deadline.

The Cubs, despite their place in the standings, are buying. Nate Pearson was acquired from the Blue Jays on Saturday in exchange for a pair of prospects. The Cubs continued buying on Sunday, sending utility man Christopher Morel and a pair of prospects to the Rays for infielder Isaac Paredes. 

Those may not be the Cubs' only moves before Tuesday. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Cubs are one of six teams to contact the Giants regarding Blake Snell. While Snell may not be traded, he has been the subject of rumors over the past couple of weeks. Snell would be a risky addition as he has a $30 million player option for 2025; a strong second half could lead to him opting into free agency.

That said, there have been rumors indicating that the Cubs could sell off pieces as well. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that the Dodgers are interested in Nico Hoerner. Heyman reported that the Mets are interested in Jameson Taillon. However, as both players are signed through 2026, the Cubs do not need to make a move. As the Cubs are adding with an eye to the future, it makes more sense to keep both Hoerner and Taillon than to trade them away.

What the Cubs are doing flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Most teams would be selling their impending free agents and looking to add prospects as they build for the future. Instead, the Cubs are charting their own course as a buyer at the deadline, hoping these moves pay off in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs are eyeing a playoff push. The difference is that their run to the postseason will be in 2025.