Cubs Duo Reaches Rare 21-Home Run Milestone Pre-All-Star

The Chicago Cubs are experiencing a strong 2025 season with robust offensive and defensive performances, led by a young group of stars including breakout players Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki, who have both surpassed 20 home runs before the All-Star break, a feat matched only by a few duos in franchise history. Despite their offensive prowess and elite defense, the Cubs' starting rotation remains a concern, even with Shota Imanaga's return from injury, prompting trade deadline rumors around acquiring pitchers like Zach Eflin and Merrill Kelly to bolster the rotation. Veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon has shown flashes of excellence but has struggled with hard contact lately, and the team generally benefits from solid starting contributions from players such as Matthew Boyd. Catcher Carson Kelly is enjoying his best season in years, thanks to improved contact and plate discipline, contributing to the team's overall success. The Cubs currently maintain a lead in the National League Central division, sustaining the third-best wRC+ in baseball and second in defensive runs saved, although the bullpen and bench depth raise some concerns. Reflecting on past Cubs teams, such as the dominant 2016 squad that experienced a midseason slump, analysts caution that streaks of losses are normal in baseball and not unique to this year's team.