⚾ Despite First Place, It’s Not All Smooth Sailing: 4 Pros and 4 Cons for the Chicago Cubs Post-All-Star Break
At the All-Star break, the Chicago Cubs sit atop the NL Central—a place any team would love to be come mid-July. But a deeper look at the 2025 season so far reveals a team walking a tightrope. Yes, they’re in first place, but it hasn’t been without bumps, bruises, and late-game breath-holding moments. As the second half kicks off, here’s a breakdown of four pros and four cons that define the Cubs’ journey so far—and what they mean for the road ahead.
✅ 4 Pros for the Cubs So Far
1. Marcus Stroman’s Resurgence
After an uneven 2024, Stroman has bounced back in a major way. He’s been dominant through the first half, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and anchoring the rotation. His veteran presence has given the Cubs much-needed consistency at the top.
2. Breakout Performances from Young Bats
Rookies and recent call-ups like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw have injected life into the lineup. Crow-Armstrong has shown flashes of Gold Glove-level defense in center, while Shaw’s bat has added unexpected pop in the infield. Their emergence bodes well not just for 2025, but beyond.
3. Craig Counsell’s Steady Hand
The new skipper has made his presence felt. Craig Counsell’s ability to manage bullpen matchups, trust young players, and remain calm through slumps has stabilized a roster that at times felt unbalanced. His leadership is a big reason why Chicago has weathered its inconsistencies.
4. Wrigley Field Magic Is Back
The Cubs are once again dominant at home, boasting one of the best home records in the league. With the Friendly Confines packed night after night, Chicago has turned Wrigley Field into a true fortress.
❌ 4 Cons That Could Spell Trouble
1. The Bullpen Rollercoaster
Late-inning meltdowns have plagued the Cubs all season. Injuries and inconsistency have left Craig Counsell scrambling for reliable arms in high-leverage situations. No clear closer has emerged, and blown saves have already cost the team multiple wins.
2. Offensive Inconsistency
While the Cubs can explode for 10 runs on one night, they can go ice-cold the next. The heart of the lineup—particularly Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki—has underperformed at times, leading to frustrating stretches of silence at the plate.
3. Injury Woes
Key players like Justin Steele, Cody Bellinger, and Nico Hoerner have missed chunks of time, disrupting rhythm and lineup continuity. The depth has held, but the lack of consistent health remains a looming concern, especially heading into the dog days of August.
4. Tough Schedule Ahead
The second half isn’t going to be easy. The Cubs face a brutal stretch against playoff-caliber teams like the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies—plus crucial divisional matchups with the Brewers and Reds. If they can’t tighten up the bullpen and find more consistent offense, their grip on first place could quickly slip.
🧢 Final Thoughts
Being in first place at the All-Star break is something to celebrate—but for the 2025 Cubs, it’s a cautious celebration. The talent is there. The leadership is there. The energy is back at Wrigley. But this team still has much to prove, and a lot of tightening up to do if October dreams are to become a reality.
Second-half success will come down to one question: can the Cubs clean up the cracks in time, or will they fall victim to the pressure that comes with leading the pack?
Stay tuned—because this ride is far from over.