Chicago Cubs Wiretap

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman put the blame for his team's offensive woes squarely on himself after going 0-for-5 and making the last out in his team's 2-1 loss in 10 innings to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night.

"I've been terrible," Bregman said. "I need to play better. Offensively, it's been awful. I've failed many times in this game. I've struggled. I've started slow before. I've started fast before. When you're struggling, there is only one way forward and that's straight, head-on through it. It comes down to executing in the game."

While his team is mired in an offensive slump, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer called the Aug. 3 trade deadline "the furthest thing from my mind," while also acknowledging the organization's needs if the Cubs are in the race at that time.

"Our position player group is deep, and it's pretty set," Hoyer said Friday morning. "The backbone of our team is our position players. They have to play well for us to be a good team.

"We'll be looking at pitching at that point. [But] sitting here talking about the deadline, given how we've played, is the wrong thing to talk about."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is being fined an undisclosed amount of money stemming from an incident with a fan Sunday at Rate Field, sources familiar with the situation said Tuesday.

Crow-Armstrong, 24, apologized Monday for his "choice of words" after a fan heckled him during the fifth inning of the Cubs' loss to the White Sox. He said he regretted using vulgarity in the exchange with a female fan.

"Directly or indirectly, I don't think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly," he said Monday. "I'm just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well."

Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom earned his 1,900th career strikeout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, becoming the second-fastest pitcher to that milestone by games and innings.

Seiya Suzuki struck out swinging on a 91.3 mph slider to end the inning after Moisés Ballesteros swung and missed on a 98.1 mph fastball for the second out.

Make it 10 wins in a row for the Chicago Cubs again. That's twice in one season -- for the first time in nine decades.

Ian Happ extended his on-base streak to 29 games, Michael Busch hit a three-run double and the Cubs clinched their second 10-game winning streak this year with a 7-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday night.

This is the first time since 1935 that Chicago has had two 10-game winning streaks in a season. The only time the Cubs had more was in 1906 with four.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd successfully underwent surgery on his left meniscus Thursday after sustaining the injury while playing with his children, the club announced. Boyd is expected to miss at least a month, with manager Craig Counsell suggesting the timetable is closer to six weeks.

"It's minor meniscus surgery," Counsell said. "We know he's going to miss a month or six weeks. Probably closer to six weeks for him to ramp back up."

"The biggest thing is how much time do we miss throwing? The knee is going to recover quickly, but how much throwing downtime do we have to take."

Boyd, 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in five outings this season, will be placed on the 15-day injured list for the second time in 2026. He made 31 starts last season and participated in the World Baseball Classic during spring training.

The injury adds to a growing list of Chicago pitching casualties. Boyd joins starters Justin Steele, sidelined with an elbow injury but expected back later this summer, and Cade Horton, who is out until next season with a similar ailment.

Javier Assad is under consideration to fill Boyd's rotation spot, though Counsell stopped short of a formal announcement Wednesday. Assad's first potential start would come Friday against the Texas Rangers.

Despite the mounting pitching concerns, Chicago has won eight straight games and 18 of 21 overall. The Cubs rank third in MLB scoring at 5.4 runs per game. Separately, right-hander Corbin Martin was designated for assignment after allowing three runs without recording an out in the ninth inning Wednesday.

Wednesday’s series showdown will be broadcast locally on MARQ (Cubs feed) and NBCS-PH+ (Phillies feed). First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Philadelphia Phillies (8-15) continue their road trip at Wrigley Field this Wednesday, April 22, facing the Chicago Cubs (14-9). The Phillies are looking to climb out of an early-season hole, currently sitting seven games under .500 and searching for rotation stability. The Cubs, meanwhile, have been one of the NL Central's most consistent teams, backed by a potent lineup and a pitching staff that has performed well despite several injuries.

Chicago’s offense is firing on all cylinders, led by Nico Hoerner, who is batting .325 with 21 RBIs. He is joined by Alex Bregman and Ian Happ, providing a veteran core that has been difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate. For Philadelphia, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner remain the primary threats, though the team has struggled to find consistent run support for their starters. Catch every inning live on Fubo.

The pitching duel features a notable return to the mound. The Cubs turn to Matthew Boyd (LHP), who is expected to be activated from the IL to make this start. Boyd showed promise in his rehab outings and looks to improve on his 1-1 record. He faces Phillies right-hander Kyle Backhus (0-0), who enters with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in limited action. You can witness this National League battle streaming live on Fubo.

The key storyline for the Phillies is their desperate need for a "stopper" performance on the mound to snap out of their road funk. For the Cubs, the focus is on the health and efficiency of their rotation; with Justin Steele and others sidelined, Boyd’s return is a welcome boost. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Phillies vs. Cubs Betting Odds & Predictions

The Cubs enter the game as significant home favorites. Oddsmakers are banking on Chicago's superior record and the Phillies' historical struggles when trailing late to favor the home team.

Prediction: Matthew Boyd’s return provides an emotional and statistical lift for Chicago. While the Phillies have the power to keep it close, the Cubs' bullpen and home field advantage should prove to be the difference. Final Score: Cubs 6, Phillies 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Bryce Harper against the deceptive southpaw delivery of Matthew Boyd. Harper’s ability to handle left-handed breaking balls will be a major factor early in the game.

Philadelphia relies on the leadership of Bryce Harper and the speed of Trea Turner to spark an offense that ranks among the league leaders in extra-base hits but has struggled with consistency.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like MARQ and NBCS-PH+, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Phillies or Cubs.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Cubs as they aim for another NL Central title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on MARQ (Cubs feed) and NBCS-PH (Phillies feed). First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Chicago Cubs (12-9) welcome the Philadelphia Phillies (8-13) to historic Wrigley Field this Monday, April 20, to kick off a four-game series. The Cubs enter as one of the steady forces in the NL Central, while the Phillies are looking to snap a frustrating five-game losing streak and find their rhythm on the road. Despite their records, both clubs possess high-octane lineups capable of turning any game into a slugfest.

The Cubs' offense is currently sparked by the red-hot Moisés Ballesteros, who is batting a staggering .364 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. He is supported by veteran Nico Hoerner, who leads the team with a .325 average and 21 RBIs. For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber remains a lethal threat at the top of the order, already tallying seven home runs this season. Catch every pitch and home run live on Fubo.

The pitching matchup features Cubs right-hander Colin Rea (2-0, 3.63 ERA), who has provided stability to a rotation dealing with significant injuries. He faces off against Phillies ace Aaron Nola (1-1, 4.03 ERA), who is looking to lower his ERA and get his team back into the win column. You can witness this National League battle streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for the Cubs is their ability to navigate a depleted pitching staff, with recent injuries to closer Daniel Palencia and prospect Cade Horton testing their depth. For Philadelphia, the focus is on breaking their slump; they are 0-2 as underdogs this season and desperately need Nola to provide a deep outing. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Phillies vs. Cubs Betting Odds & Predictions

The Cubs enter the series opener as narrow favorites at home. Oddsmakers are banking on the Cubs' momentum and Colin Rea's early-season form to overcome a struggling Phillies squad.

Prediction: Colin Rea has been surprisingly effective early in the year, and the Cubs' offense is significantly deeper than the Phillies' current production suggests. Expect a tight contest that hinges on the Phillies' bullpen. Final Score: Cubs 5, Phillies 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the scorching bat of Moisés Ballesteros against the veteran precision of Aaron Nola. Ballesteros is hitting a remarkable .667 over his last seven games.

Philadelphia relies on the power of Kyle Schwarber and the steady glove of Trea Turner to pressure opposing rotations at the Friendly Confines.

*Estimated recent form.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like MARQ and NBCS-PH, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Phillies or Cubs.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Cubs as they aim to climb the NL Central standings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are monitoring free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito as injuries continue to thin both clubs' pitching staffs, league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday.

Chicago's rotation has already taken significant hits as Cade Horton was advised to undergo season-ending elbow surgery, while Matthew Boyd is nearing a return from a strained left biceps. High-leverage relievers Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey are also sidelined, straining the entire pitching staff.

San Diego's need for pitching may be equally urgent. Nick Pivetta exited Sunday's start with right elbow stiffness and is likely headed to the injured list. Pivetta finished sixth in NL Cy Young Award voting last season after posting a 2.87 ERA across 181 innings. His contract includes a provision converting to a $14 million club option for 2027 if he spends at least 130 consecutive days on the injured list due to a specified injury.

The Padres' pursuit of Giolito could be complicated by the final stages of the franchise's ongoing sale process, which may limit financial flexibility in baseball operations.

Giolito, 31, went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox last season before declining a $19 million mutual option to test free agency. The Cubs project him as a back-of-rotation option. His absence through spring training and into April tempers expectations, though he has maintained his workload with bullpen sessions of approximately 75 pitches.

"The last few months have been very strange," Giolito said on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast. "Talks seem like they're heating up, and then it's like, 'Oh, OK, never mind.' I just want to play for close to what my value is."

A realistic timeline for Giolito's availability in a major league game appears to be sometime in May. Chicago projects him as a rotation addition that could push an existing starter to the bullpen, adding roster flexibility as the season develops.