Chicago Cubs Hitters of the Month - July 2025

[Brian Kelder]

Image courtesy of Thieres Rabelo

The Cubs' lineup in July was a bit of a whack-a-mole. One guy would heat up, and another would slump. Despite losing a share of first place in the NL Central, a 14-9 record on the month is still solid, and the position group top to bottom is as good as there is in the league. 

Despite a middling trade deadline performance, the architect of this team was extended for several years. Whatever you think of Jed Hoyer, he will be the head of this ship. So, each person for this month was selected first and foremost for his July performance, but also for how their performance helped Hoyer get his extension. 

3rd Place: Nico Hoerner (.284/.347/.375, 107 wRC+)

Hoerner was a steadying force in the lineup. He’s now the leadoff hitter against lefties, and slashed .284/.347/.375 in July. Power obviously isn’t part of the profile, but extreme bat control is. All season long, Hoerner has been at the top of the percentile rankings for strikeout and whiff rate. He simply has a tremendous understanding of the strike zone to pair with his otherworldly hand-eye coordination, and surely is frustrating to pitch to.

One of the first big moves in the incremental rebuild that was never called a rebuild centered around Hoerner. He’s a solid shortstop. Good, even. In 2022, he was worth a whopping 13 Outs Above Average, which gave him significant value towards his 4.2 WAR. His main position that year was short, and the Cubs could have continued with a solid shortstop for years to come.

But opportunity arose to sign Dansby Swanson, a superior defender, to an (expensive) deal. Nico slid to second, and has played Gold Glove-caliber defense since, winning it in 2023. Jed Hoyer built the best middle-infield defense in the game. Months like July show why he was smart to do so.

2nd Place: Carson Kelly (.290/.370/.581, 162 wRC+)

Alright Carson, settle down. We all thought you were going to collapse, and for a bit you did. But then, to quote Dumb and Dumber, you go and “totally redeem yourself!”

A 3.2 WAR for Kelly this season is one of the many “over-performing projections” scenarios Jed Hoyer has hit on for this year. What a great signing for the Cubs, especially given how unexpected this performance has been in Miguel Amaya's stead. 

This incredible season from Kelly is emblematic of Hoyer’s hot free agent streak last offseason. Kelly has had a career year already, regardless of how he finishes. Matthew Boyd and Caleb Thielbar similarly have contributed with great baseball. Confidence is due to Hoyer as we go forward (at least in regard to bargain bin free agent signings), and the benefit of the doubt will be given by this writer.

MVPete: Pete Crow-Armstrong (.308/.347/.637, 171 wRC+)

Should we just rename the award at this point? It’s simply incredible, and he’s not slowing down. Do you see that slugging percentage? .637? It’s been a pleasure to be proved wrong by Crow-Armstrong.

The position players have been ridden hard this season, and will continue to play as many innings as their bodies allowed. Willi Castro could provide rest to most of them, and is insurance against the Annual Seiya Suzuki Oblique Injury or some other calamity. Still, Craig Counsell is doing his best Tom Thibodeau impression with his starters this year.

It's not entirely relevant to his brilliant month, but the fact that Javier Baez was dealt for Crow-Armstrong still stands as the best move the Cubs have made in a long time. The teardown in 2021 is still a flashpoint, but this one acquisition has been a success. Another oft-forgotten trade was Daniel Palencia coming in return for Andrew Chafin. 

Not every trade has returned that level of value, or any value for that matter. That’s not how teardowns work, and why they aren’t an enjoyable part of the fan experience. Tom Ricketts, however, is not completely opposed to the idea. In his mind, the return is already worth the sell-off. More than any other move made during his tenure, Hoyer earned his extension with this one.

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What do you think of our list? Are there any other players that you think deserve recognition for their excellent July performances?

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[Papa Cub]

Although the Cubs have the pieces they need to make a run through October, I am going to be a bit skeptical about that from what I’ve seen lately. I will explain my thoughts of what I mean.

PCA, what he has done this season is extremely impressive, and as a fan I am so excited to have him a part of this team! With that being said, he seems to be very ‘boom or bust’ and shows a big lack of discipline at the plate to say the least. 
In my opinion, Nico Hoerner has been this team’s MVP so far this season. This is why: CONSISTENCY! Even Tucker has been up and down (by his standards), and Suzuki has fallen off the map since the break. Happ, Swanson, and others are up and down. I’m not naive - I know baseball is about streaks and players going in and out of them all the time. However, I look at players and teams that are consistent, and quite frankly the Cubs have not been that for a while now. Whether it’s the inconsistency in their pitching, hitting from some of their stars, or the relief pitchers as of late. 

The team is chalked full of potential and exciting players. No doubt about it, and they sit with a solid record at the moment, but I am concerned that if they continue with the inconsistent play, they may fall out of the wild card race at this point. Milwaukee, as much as it pains me, is hands down the better team at this point in the season. Do I need to say why? I believe I mentioned the word several times in this post.

Chicago is plenty capable of turning the tide back in their favor (I certainly hope they do!) with the lineup they have, but they need more guys to step up and offer that consistent play. 
 

Thank you for taking the time to hear my thoughts as a fan. I welcome feedback from anyone willing to share. Go Cubs!

Edited August 3, 2025 by Papa Cub
Few grammar errors