The Chicago Cubs are facing a more challenging path in the National League playoff race as the MLB trade deadline has brought significant roster enhancements for several of their competitors. Entering Thursday with a strong record of 63-45, the Cubs are currently positioned one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead and the top playoff seed.
In a flurry of trades, both the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres have made major moves to solidify their bullpens, which is essential for postseason success. The Phillies acquired elite closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, addressing their bullpen weaknesses, especially with Jose Alvarado unavailable due to suspension. Duran’s impressive performance, boasting a 2.01 ERA and an average fastball of over 100 mph, makes the Phillies a much more daunting opponent as they eye October.
The Mets also made strides by trading for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, aiming to strengthen their relief options alongside established closer Edwin Diaz. They further bolstered their bullpen by adding veterans Tyler Rogers and Gregory Soto, promising to enhance their playoff prospects.
Meanwhile, the Padres surprised many by bringing in fireballing closer Mason Miller from the Athletics, which, coupled with their already strong bullpen that includes three All-Stars, positions them as a formidable contender in the NL.
In light of these significant trades, the Cubs will need to focus on their own performance and synergy as they vie for a deep playoff run. Fortunately for the Cubs, their nearest rivals, the Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, made fewer impactful moves at the deadline. The Brewers bolstered their roster with catcher Danny Jansen and pitchers Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery, though Miller is currently on the injured list and Montgomery will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers acquired Brock Stewart but did not make the game-changing trades that other teams executed.
To enhance their chances, the Cubs added veteran starter Michael Soroka and reliever Andrew Kittredge to their roster, along with utilityman Willi Castro and left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers. These additions are poised to provide the Cubs with the depth and experience necessary for a successful playoff campaign.
As the season progresses, the tight playoff race emphasizes the importance of the Cubs’ performances as they strive for a memorable journey toward the World Series. With two months still in the regular season, every game will be critical, especially against the newly fortified bullpens of their rivals. The Cubs remain focused, intent on overcoming these challenges on their road to postseason glory.