Cubs' 'biggest flaw' identified by MLB insider ahead of 2025 trade deadline

There's an awful lot to like about the 2025 Chicago Cubs, but there's also plenty still to question.

The Cubs have the most explosive offense in Major League Baseball so far, thanks in large part to the arrival of superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. But Tucker is only signed for one year, so there's a ton of pressure on the Cubs to make this season count. 

The other side of the ball is where things get funky. Starting pitching is a question mark, with Justin Steele out for the season and Shota Imanaga on the injured list as well. But the bullpen might be even a bigger red flag.

Ryan Pressly, who surrendered eight earned runs without recording an out on Wednesday night, hasn't worked out as the team's closer. The rest of the group behind him hasn't been great either, as Chicago ranks 25th with a 4.71 bullpen ERA.

Last week, Yahoo Sports insider Russell Dorsey identified the teams with the most "glaring needs" ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, and gave his take that the bullpen was the team's "biggest flaw."

"While the Cubs appear destined for the postseason for the first time since they got swept out of the wild-card round in 2020, they have their fair share of flaws. The biggest is in their bullpen," Dorsey wrote.

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"It has been unsettling on the back end, as manager Craig Counsell has needed extra time to figure out whom he can trust. The team currently ranks 23rd in baseball in bullpen ERA... It’s not difficult to determine that finding help will be a main priority as the trade market opens."

There are always lots of good relievers available at the deadline, but the Cubs have to be sure they're going after the right one at the right price. Their strong farm system should be an asset to their pursuit as well.

Replacing Pressly and getting the bullpen in working order could have echoing effects not only on the Cubs' 2025 season, but their future trajectory as a franchise.

More MLB: Blue Jays could cut ties with $150 million 'resurgent' All-Star by trade deadline