The Chicago Cubs are enjoying a strong season as they maintain their lead in the National League Central. As the All-Star break approaches, three standout players are making significant contributions to the team’s success.
Matthew Boyd, a seasoned left-handed pitcher, is having an impressive year that has surprised many fans and analysts. Recently, Boyd struck out nine batters in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a season-high performance. His current ERA is a remarkable 2.52 over 18 appearances, and he boasts the sixth-lowest WHIP in the National League at 1.07. With 96 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched and 12 quality starts, Boyd has earned his first career All-Star selection. He has provided stability to the Cubs’ rotation, especially during a challenging season marked by injuries to key pitchers like Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele. If Boyd sustains his current form, the Cubs’ two-year, $29 million investment in him could prove to be an exceptional move.
First baseman Michael Busch is also shining this season. Building on his promising rookie year, Busch has compiled 18 home runs, 56 RBIs, and leads the Cubs with an impressive OPS of .950 and a .297 batting average. Despite being overlooked for an All-Star spot, Busch’s recent performance—including a remarkable three-homer game on July 4—has highlighted his value to the team. He has been especially effective against left-handed pitching, with two of his homers coming against lefties over the weekend. His strong showing suggests that he is solidifying his role as a crucial part of the Cubs’ future, with four more seasons under team control after 2025.
Lastly, designated hitter Seiya Suzuki is having a career-defining season. With 25 home runs and 77 RBIs to date, Suzuki leads MLB in runs batted in. His advanced metrics are outstanding, featuring a barrel percentage of 19.3% and a hard hit percentage of 51.4%. This level of performance has been a key factor in the Cubs leading the league in run differential and being second in overall runs scored. With only one year left of team control beyond this season, there may be significant negotiations ahead to keep Suzuki in Chicago if he maintains his current hitting prowess.
Together, Boyd, Busch, and Suzuki are driving the Cubs’ offense and are part of an exciting and promising future for the franchise. With the All-Star break on the horizon, fans can look forward to the continued development of this talented core.