The Chicago Cubs entered the All-Star break with a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. For a Cubs team that has flirted with being the best team in baseball at various points this season, their .500 record in June along with the Brewers being the hottest team in baseball served as a reminder that Milwaukee isn't going to go away quietly. That reminder isn't a bad thing, especially with the MLB trade deadline looming. At least, that is how Jon Morosi spun it.
"In some ways, the Brewers might be doing them a big favor here," Morosi told the Spiegel and Holmes show of 670 The Score. "Because the way they're playing is reminder to the (Cubs) front office, 'We need some pieces here.'"
.@jonmorosi expects the Cubs to be one of the most aggressive teams on the entire MLB trade market.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 14, 2025
"In some ways, the Brewers might be doing them a big favor here," Morosi say. "Because the way they're playing is reminder to the (Cubs) front office, 'We need some pieces here.'" pic.twitter.com/rkWdWv5t8v
Cubs owe hated rival for deadline wake-up call
The Brewers are already seeing the payoff from a trade they already made this season. In the aftermath of Rhys Hoskins' injury, the Brewers have turned to Andrew Vaughn to fill a need at first base. Vaugn was acquired in an in-season trade of Aaron Civale to the Chicago White Sox, and has flourished in his initial run in Milwaukee. Vaughn is hitting .429 with 2 home runs and a 308 wRC+ through his first 16 plate appearances with the Brewers.
The Brewers won't go gentle into that good night. Fortunately for the Cubs, the Brewers likely won't be an aggressive buyer at the deadline. Based on their history and payroll, chances are the Brewers won't make a blockbuster move but with the Vaughn trade being latest indicator, they often make the right move.
The Cubs have the financial means and prospect capital to make an impact move at the deadline. A move that widens gap between them at the top of the division and the Brewers. That could also help the Cubs land a target that the Brewers have also been connected to. The Brewers have a need at third base, and have been connected to Eugenio Suarez. Suarez, assuming the Arizona Diamondbacks sell, likely is the Cubs' primary third base target ahead of the deadline.
