When Jed Hoyer, the Chicago Cubs' decision-maker, orchestrated a trade with the New York Mets, it was a move that signaled urgency and a bit of a departure from his usual playbook. The Cubs, in need of bolstering their starting rotation, brought in David Peterson, a pitcher with promising potential. To make this happen, Hoyer had to part ways with a rising prospect, Cole Mathis.
Typically, Hoyer leans on the idea that June is too early to dive into trade waters, preferring to rely on the team's internal resources. However, the Cubs found themselves in a bind. Injuries and the unexpected decline of some players, like Jordan Wicks, left their depth chart looking a little thin.
This trade for Peterson doesn't necessarily mean the Cubs are opening the floodgates for more deals just yet. Hoyer, in a recent chat with reporters, hinted that the major moves are likely to come closer to the trade deadline.
"Are there gonna be trades in July? Sure," Hoyer noted, "but we’re mostly focused on what we can do internally.
We'll be in talks with teams, but with how close the standings are, expect most action near the August 3 deadline."
So, can the Cubs rely on their internal depth to carry them to the trade deadline? They've made a couple of strategic moves recently.
Besides Peterson, they snagged Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Phillies. Wilson could be a versatile piece, either as a starter or a long-relief option, helping the Cubs navigate this tricky stretch.
The path ahead for the Cubs is there, but it's a tightrope. Another injury before the All-Star break could be a significant blow to their season's hopes. There's also uncertainty about the return of Jameson Taillon and whether pitchers like Ben Brown or Edward Cabrera will be back in action soon.
Hoyer seems to be setting expectations for a deadline that's more about strategic patchwork than blockbuster deals. While a marquee addition to their pitching staff might be unlikely, bringing in a seasoned veteran or two could be just what they need to keep their postseason dreams alive.
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Dansby Swanson Just Made The Cubs Deadline Pressure Even Clearer
The Cubs have spent much of this month staring straight at the same problem: the pitching staff is thin, and the injuries are not letting up. With five starting pitchers on the injured list, Chicago has already had to patch things together, even after bringing in David Peterson to help stabilize the rotation.
Dansby Swanson helped make the deadline mission sound even clearer by confirming what the standings and the injury report have already suggested. Jameson Taillon is still not projected back until closer to the All-Star break, and if Chicago is going to stay on course through the second half, the front office may have to add more than just another arm before the deadline arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Cubs May Already Have A Carson Kelly Backup Plan Brewing
Carson Kellys strong season has only sharpened the question the Cubs will have to answer later: how hard can they push to keep him when free agency arrives? He has given them exactly what they wanted behind the plate, but Chicago has a roster to build around more than one position, and pitching and outfield help are part of the conversation too.
If Kelly walks, the Cubs are not starting from zero, and they may not have to rely solely on the open market to solve it. There are internal catching options to sort through, and the long view could also run through the draft, where Chicago may be looking at a future successor rather than treating the position as an immediate emergency. [Read more 🡒]
MLBs Latest Idea Feels A Little Too Perfect For The Cubs
Major League Baseballs leaked collective bargaining proposal has already stirred up the usual debate over how much freedom star players should have, and how much control teams should keep once the bidding starts. The outline includes a tighter free-agency system, with shorter maximum contract lengths for players changing teams and for players staying put, plus a push to raise the league minimum salary based on service time.
For Cubs fans, the eye-catching part is how neatly it fits the way Jed Hoyer has run the front office for years. Chicago has long been built around flexibility rather than the kind of sprawling commitments that define the top of the market, which is why names like Kyle Tucker, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto never felt like realistic fits in the first place. If this proposal ever becomes real, it could make the Cubs preferred path look a lot less like a choice and a lot more like the new rules of the game. [Read more 🡒]