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Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning at Target Field. Photo: Jesse Johnson/USA TODAY Sports

No Time to Coast: Cubs Begin Critical Road Trip in Minnesota

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Nick Hudson | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 6:22 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs gave fans a special treat with their performance on the homestand. They went 5-2 at Wrigley, beat the teams they were supposed to beat, and looked like a team ready to make a push deep into October. The energy was up, the bats were alive, and the pitching held steady. It was the kind of week that could spark a turnaround from the lackluster month of June.

Now the challenge is not losing that momentum. The Cubs open a six-game road trip Tuesday in Minnesota, followed by a massive three-game series in the Bronx against the Yankees. With the Brewers right behind them in the division, that means they cannot afford to get comfortable. If the Cubs want to make real noise in July, they need to treat this stretch with urgency.

Shota, Cade, and Colin Take the Ball

The Cubs are lined up well on the mound. Shota Imanaga will start the opener against the Twins. He has been consistent and reliable despite his long stay on the IL. His ability to still command the zone and limit hard contact has brought much-needed relief to this rotation

Game two will go to Cade Horton, the rookie who continues to grow with each outing. Horton has shown poise beyond his years and has flashed the kind of stuff that makes you believe he could be a future frontline ace. The Cubs need him to be sharp again, especially as innings become more valuable in the second half. This is yet another test for the young right-hander.

Colin Rea is expected to close the series. He has not grabbed headlines as of late, but he has quietly delivered quality starts and kept the Cubs in games. In a year where depth has been tested, Rea’s consistency has mattered. Don't forget, this was not the role that he was originally signed up for, but he has delivered in big moments this season.

The Twins are Beatable, but Dangerous

Minnesota enters the series as a solid, yet unspectacular, team. They have some pop in the middle of their lineup and a pitching staff that can dominate on the right night. Still, this is a series the Cubs need to win.

The Twins are hanging around in the AL Central, but they are not invincible. The Cubs cannot approach this like they are just filling time before the Yankees series. These are games that matter. Dropping a series in Minnesota would undo a lot of the good vibes built last week.

This is not the time to fall into bad habits. The Cubs have to play sharp, play hungry, and remember that momentum is fragile. A good homestand can fade quickly if it is followed by a sluggish road trip.

The Bronx Awaits, but the Focus is Now

Yes, the Yankees loom. A weekend showdown in one of baseball’s toughest ballparks is coming. The Bronx crowd will be loud, the lineup will be dangerous, and the Cubs will need to be at their best.

That is exactly why this Twins series cannot be overlooked. The Cubs have to take care of business now to set the tone for what’s next. Winning in Minnesota builds confidence and keeps the group locked in for what will likely be one of the most high-profile series of the first half of the season.

It is easy to look ahead. It is harder to stay grounded. The Cubs cannot afford to slip into the mindset we all had in school, where the week before break felt like a formality. This is not a vacation. This is a week that could shape the rest of the season.

Stay Sharp, Stay Climbing

The Cubs are still on top in the NL Central division. Still, the Cardinals and Brewers loom, and the wild card race is crowded. Every win matters, especially in July. This road trip is not about style points; it is about stacking wins and proving that what we saw at Wrigley last week was real.

The good vibes from the homestand were earned. Now it is time to extend them. Bring the energy to Minnesota, stay locked in through New York, and let this week be the one that turns the season for good.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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