Grading the Cubs’ 2025 Trade Deadline

Cubs 2025 Trade Deadline: The Full Picture

Starting Pitching

Through trade, the Cubs acquired one starter, Michael Soroka. He was traded from the Nationals in return for SS Ronny Cruz (CHC No. 13 prospect) and OF Christian Franklin (CHC No. 14 prospect). By and large, they didn’t have to give up a ton for Soroka, who could be a difference maker for the Cubs. On the surface, he doesn’t look great with a 4.87 ERA in 81 1/3 IP this year. But a look at his advanced stats tells a completely different story.

He currently has a 3.32 xERA and a .218 xBA. Both these suggest he has been very unlucky this year. He also has a 25.4% strikeout rate and a low walk rate. The biggest piece is the difference in defenses. The Nationals are ranked 29th in defensive rating at -30.4, while the Cubs are second at 22.9. This is a massive jump, and a good defense is just what he needs to combat his unluckiness this year.

Soroka was the only starter they traded for, which shocked many people. Many expected them to also acquire a top-end starter, but Jed Hoyer felt their current rotation would be enough.

Relief Pitching

Both of the other two pitchers traded for by Chicago will go to the bullpen. Both Kittredge and Rogers are veterans who could provide some serious help. Kittredge was acquired from the Orioles for SS Wilfri De La Cruz (CHC No. 17 prospect). De La Cruz is a 17-year-old prospect who has played in Rookie ball this year for the Cubs. Kittredge has been really good this year despite missing the early part of the season due to a knee injury. He has a 3.45 ERA and a 1.085 WHIP in 31 1/3 IP this year. While he doesn’t qualify for most advanced stats, they look really good. He has an unreal 41.7% chase rate, a 25.4% strikeout rate, and a 6.3% walk rate. If the 35-year-old veteran keeps this production up, he will make a huge difference for the Cubs.

Taylor Rogers is a veteran lefty who has also performed well this year. He only has 33 innings pitched, but has a 2.45 ERA. He was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Pittsburgh Pirates, then a day later was dealt to the Cubs for minor league outfielder Ivan Brethowr. Brethowr has struggled in High-A ball this year, so the Cubs didn’t lose much. Rogers’ advanced stats are mixed, but he has a good xBA at .231 and gets a lot of soft contact. He just struggles with walks at times and getting chases out of the zone. Adding another lefty to the bullpen with these solid numbers will most likely only help Chicago in the long run.

Position Players

The one position player acquired by the Cubs was utilityman Willi Castro. He was traded from the Twins for right-handers Ryan Gallagher (CHC No. 8 prospect) and Sam Armstrong. Castro was the Cubs’ main target for third base help after Eugenio Suárez was traded to the Seattle Mariners. Castro this year is hitting .245 with 10 home runs and a .743 OPS.  While this doesn’t seem too appealing, Castro’s value goes far beyond the numbers. The 2024 All-Star is extremely versatile and has played six positions just this year. He is also a switch-hitter who has proven to be very consistent throughout his career. He will be able to give many guys a rest and play whatever position he needs to solidly. Position players were the least of the Cubs’ needs, so getting Castro is a win for them.

The Last Word

With all things considered, the Cubs’ grade for this year’s trade deadline is a B-. Everything in this article points to it being higher than that, but they missed their biggest need: a top-end starter. Their starting pitching has been sort of lackluster this year, and there were a few top-end guys on the board. The hope was to get a guy like MacKenzie Gore, Edward Cabrera, or Joe Ryan. But, there may be a valid reason for not getting any of them. All three of those pitchers and a few other top-end guys were not traded. It appears their asking prices were so high that no one was willing to pay for them. But, with how inconsistent the Cubs’ starting pitching has been this year, they almost needed one of those guys to have a playoff-level rotation.

Other than the starting pitching role, they did a good job of filling other holes while not giving up a lot. They were able to keep all of their top-7 prospects. There is both a downside and an upside to the Cubs’ trade deadline this year, but the only thing to do now is look forward to the rest of the season.