Cubs Weekly Report Card: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not (August 1, 2026)

While everyone watches the MLB Trade Deadline (ending at 5 p.m. CT today), let’s check how the Cubs played in their last seven games against the Cardinals and Yankees.

Quick Overview

The Cubs played 7 games this past week:

• 3 games vs. St. Louis Cardinals
• 4 games vs. New York Yankees

Here’s the simple breakdown: some players caught fire, while others went ice cold.

The Red-Hot Hitters

Nico Hoerner (Second Baseman) – On Fire!

Think of it like this: If baseball were a video game, Hoerner just found a "power-up."

Last 7 games: .423 batting average (11 hits in 26 at-bats)

• 4-hit game in St. Louis
• 2 home runs (his first since April!)
• One homer tied the game in the 7th inning vs. Yankees Saturday → Watch the video here

Since the All-Star Break (16 games):

• .400 average (26-for-65)
• 9 runs scored + 13 RBI (runs batted in = helping teammates score)

Alex Bregman (Third Baseman) – Heating Up Fast

Simple translation: He’s seeing the ball really well right now.

Last 7 games: .429 average (12-for-28)

• 3 multi-hit games
• 6 doubles (two-base hits)
• 1 home run
• 3 walks (free passes to first base)
• 8 runs scored

Since July 11 (17 games):

• .304 average (21-for-69)
• 7 doubles, 4 homers, 8 walks, 12 RBI, 16 runs
• If he keeps this up, he’ll be back to his normal career numbers by season’s end.

The Pitching Star

David Peterson (Starting Pitcher) – Dominant Lately

ELI5: A "start" = he begins the game on the mound. "ERA" = Earned Run Average (lower is better). "WHIP" = Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched (lower = fewer baserunners allowed).

In his 2 starts this week:

• 12 innings pitched
• Only 3 earned runs allowed
• 11 strikeouts (batters he struck out)
• Cubs won BOTH games

The Big Turnaround:

• Had a terrible start July 3 vs. Cardinals at Wrigley
• Since then (4 starts): 1.52 ERA and 0.887 WHIP → ELITE numbers
• 35 ground-ball outs out of 71 total outs → He’s getting batters to hit the ball on the ground (easier for fielders to catch)

IMPORTANT POINT: The author says: "This was a very good trade by Jed Hoyer." (Jed Hoyer = Cubs President of Baseball Operations, the boss who makes trades)

Surprise Contributor

Pedro Ramirez (Utility Infielder) – The "Keeper"

• Started 5 of 7 games
• .333 average (5-for-15)
• .474 On-Base Percentage (OBP) → Got on base almost half the time!
• 4 walks this week
• Season OBP: .370 in 109 plate appearances
• Author’s verdict: "Looks like a keeper to me."

The Cold Bats (Struggling Right Now)

Ian Happ (Outfielder) – Ice Cold

Despite a 2-hit game in St. Louis…

Last 7 games: .148 average (4-for-27)

• 3 doubles + 3 walks (good: he’s patient)
• BUT 8 strikeouts (swinging and missing a lot)
• Author’s suggestion: "Craig Counsell has been giving his infielders rest from time to time. I think Happ could use a day off, too." (Craig Counsell = Cubs Manager)

Dansby Swanson (Shortstop) – Also Freezing

Got a day off during the week… didn’t help.

6 games played: .048 average (1-for-21)

• 8 strikeouts
• Only 1 hit all week
• Author’s note: "Swanson has become a real streaky hitter, much as Happ is. It would be nice for them both to go on hot streaks starting … right now."

Michael Busch (First Baseman) – Rough Week

Last 7 games: .161 average (5-for-31)

• Author’s take: "He could probably also use a day off."
• Problem: Cubs don’t have a backup first baseman
  • Carson Kelly (catcher) played 1st base for 1 inning Sunday
  • Kelly has started at 1st base only once all year (April 13 vs. Phillies)
  • Manager Counsell likely doesn’t want Kelly starting there regularly
  • "I doubt it would happen during the Dodgers series, anyway."

What This Means for the Team

Summary

The Cubs’ week in a nutshell:

• Offense: Powered by Hoerner (.423) and Bregman (.429)
• Pitching: Peterson locked in with 1.52 ERA since early July
• Depth: Ramirez proving he belongs (.474 OBP this week)
• Slump Central: Happ (.148), Swanson (.048), Busch (.161) all cold
• Roster hole: No backup 1st baseman makes resting Busch tricky
• Big Question: Will the front office make a move before the 5 p.m. CT trade deadline?

FAQ

1. What does ".423/.444/.654" mean next to Hoerner’s name?

Those are three key stats separated by slashes:

• Batting Average (.423) = Hits ÷ At-bats (11-for-26)
• On-Base Percentage (.444) = How often he reaches base (hits + walks + hit-by-pitch)
• Slugging Percentage (.654) = Power measure (total bases ÷ at-bats; doubles/triples/HR count more)

2. Why is a "ground-ball pitcher" like Peterson a good thing?

Ground balls are easier for fielders to turn into outs. Fly balls can become home runs. Peterson getting 35 ground-ball outs in 4 starts means he’s keeping the ball in the park and letting his defense work.

3. What’s the MLB Trade Deadline and why does it matter?

It’s the last day teams can trade players without complex waiver rules (this year: August 1 at 5 p.m. CT). Contending teams (like the Cubs) often trade for veterans to help them make the playoffs.

4. Who is Jed Hoyer and why does the author praise his trade?

Jed Hoyer = Cubs President of Baseball Operations (the GM’s boss). He traded for David Peterson, and since Peterson has been dominant (1.52 ERA), the author calls it a "very good trade."

5. What does "streaky hitter" mean for Swanson and Happ?

It means they go through long hot streaks (hitting everything) followed by long cold streaks (can’t buy a hit). Right now, both are in cold streaks simultaneously, which hurts the lineup.

Article based on Bleed Cubbie Blue’s weekly performance review. Stats current through August 1, 2026.