Cubs Shine with Stellar Defense and Offensive Firepower

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman leaned forward, readying himself as reliever Ryan Rolison prepared to pitch. The 2024 Gold Glove Award recipient watched the ball leave the pitcher’s hand, then moved left to field a slow grounder hit by Ozzie Albies. Bregman swiftly threw to Pedro Ramírez at second base, who fired it to first, completing a crucial double play that ended Atlanta’s threat in the eighth inning. This defensive gem contributed to the Cubs’ 7-3 victory over the Braves at Wrigley Field, maintaining their edge over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League wild-card race.

Bregman’s defensive play was a testament to the Cubs’ exceptional fielding ability. The Cubs lead Major League Baseball in Defensive Runs Saved, Outs Above Average, and Fielding Run Value. “Defense is our strong suit,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated before the game. “To be successful, we must excel in some aspect of the game and for us, that’s defense.”

The offensive highlight came from National League MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong, who recorded an impressive 4-for-5 performance, including a home run, a stolen base, and four RBIs. His sixth-inning homer marked his 42nd of the season, matching the franchise record for a left-handed hitter set by Billy Williams in 1970. Crow-Armstrong acknowledged Williams’ legacy while expressing his ambition to break the record. “Hitting that 42nd homer feels special because Billy’s presence looms large. I believe he’d want me to surpass his achievements.”

Bregman’s efforts at third base have encountered challenges this season. Initially, his fielding run value was minus-1 after seven games. Major-league coach Jonathan Mota investigated how to recapture Bregman’s 2024 Gold Glove form from his time with the Houston Astros by examining the changes in his positioning.

Mota and the coaching staff addressed the issue by moving Bregman closer to the foul line, restoring the alignment that once brought success. “His previous stance was better suited for his skillset. Realigning him allowed for more effective ground ball approaches,” explained Mota.

In Boston, where he played in 2025, Bregman was positioned closer to home plate and further from the line, impacting his defensive performance. While still efficient with four Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value of three, it was below his 2024 levels when he achieved eight in both metrics.

The coaching team realized that by adjusting his pre-pitch setup and refining other technical aspects, Bregman’s performance improved. “He reads and reacts better now, transitioning smoothly between catching and throwing the ball,” Bregman noted. These changes have propelled him to second among major-league third basemen in Outs Above Average (7) and tied for third in Fielding Run Value (5).

Furthermore, this improved positioning also benefits other players like Dansby Swanson, enhancing the team’s overall fielding efforts. The Cubs’ defensive reconfiguration exemplifies how strategic adjustments can unleash players’ potential and boost team success.

Freelance reporter Andy Martinez contributed to this article for the Chicago Tribune.