Game 1 Boyd, The New PCA, Elite Defense, Trade Looming? And Other Cubs Bullets - Bleacher Nation

What the report says

Bleacher Nation’s Cole Bair wrote July 25 that the Chicago Cubs opened their weekend series in Pittsburgh with a win highlighted by another strong start from Matthew Boyd, sharp defense and a clean bullpen performance. The article said the Cubs’ offense could have done more, but noted the challenge of facing a Pirates rotation lined up with Jared Jones, Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft.

Boyd was the central focus after throwing seven innings and allowing one run at PNC Park on July 24. According to Bleacher Nation, he has a 2.31 ERA over his past six starts, with his changeup and slider helping his fastball play up. Bair argued that, given injuries to Cubs pitchers this season, Boyd’s return to form has been especially important and that he would be the logical Game 1 starter if the postseason began now.

The piece also spotlighted Pete Crow-Armstrong, describing his all-around impact as a major reason the Cubs have become compelling to watch. Bleacher Nation pointed to Pittsburgh intentionally walking Crow-Armstrong in the 10th inning to load the bases as an example of how opponents are treating him, while also praising what he brings on defense and on the bases.

On team defense, Bair compared the 2026 Cubs favorably with the franchise’s 2016 group, citing FanGraphs’ Team Fielding Run Value and Defensive Runs Saved. The article said Chicago led MLB with a 47 FRV and 63 DRS, while also emphasizing that president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer should still be pursuing pitching before the trade deadline. Bleacher Nation also noted speculation around prospects Moises Ballesteros and Kevin Alcantara as possible trade candidates, while making clear their social media posts may not mean anything.