15 August, 2025
cubs-face-urgent-offensive-struggles-seek-solutions-against-pirates

UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs are in urgent need of offensive revitalization after suffering a 2-1 defeat against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 10, 2023. This loss marks the team’s third consecutive series defeat, raising concerns as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Cubs have struggled significantly since the All-Star break, ranking 28th in runs scored across Major League Baseball. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than results, stating, “Things not going right is not what’s happening… you have to be tough enough to roll with that.” The Cubs’ collective slump has left them teetering on the brink of slipping out of playoff contention.

All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker is experiencing a major downturn, hitting just .195 since July 1 with only one home run. “I don’t know [how to break out of it],” Tucker admitted. “You just figure it out. We play so many games.” This season, he has struggled with a jammed finger, which he insists is now “fine.”

Seiya Suzuki, another key player, has driven in only eight runs since the break, hitting a mere .182. Meanwhile, first baseman Michael Busch is batting .171, and left fielder Ian Happ is at .228.

The most alarming performance has come from center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who recorded just three hits and 15 strikeouts in August before breaking the slump with a double in Friday’s game. “It becomes the self-inflicted pressure when you feel like you’re not playing your part in contributing,” Crow-Armstrong reflected. “… It’s also baseball, and I still have however many fricking weeks left this season.”

Despite the recent struggles, the Cubs remain in the wildcard chase and have not yet been swept in a series this season—one of only two teams to claim such a feat. The urgency is palpable as they face a hot Milwaukee Brewers team and a competitive Cincinnati Reds, with playoff implications looming large.

Counsell reiterated the team’s commitment to the fundamentals, stating, “For us to focus on results is harmful, so you focus on things that contribute to us being good.” The Cubs are determined to regain their offensive groove as they enter a crucial weekend series against divisional rivals.

Fans are rallying behind the team, hoping a return to form is right around the corner. “The Cubbies are the Cubbies,” Crow-Armstrong said. “We’re going to go keep playing the same baseball we played all year. … It’s been an interesting two weeks, but we’re fine. I don’t think there’s any worry in the world.” With the stakes rising, all eyes will be on the Cubs as they seek to turn their fortunes around against the Pirates.