Cubs Pursue Pitching Depth While Staying Patient in Trade Market

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has his eye on the trade market. He wants to strengthen the team’s pitching depth and overall roster ahead of the MLB trade deadline on July 31.

The Cubs’ lead in the NL Central keeps shrinking, and Hoyer’s been open about their cautious approach. They’re waiting for the market to settle before making any big moves. The front office is also checking out bench and bullpen options, so it’s shaping up to be a busy trading period for a franchise that’s itching for a postseason run.

The Cubs’ June Struggles Highlight the Need for Pitching

June was rough. The Cubs’ once-comfortable NL Central lead almost vanished, and their pitching staff started showing some serious cracks.

The rotation, which had looked solid earlier, took a hit and posted an ERA that ranked 23rd in MLB. No wonder Hoyer and his crew are scrambling to find pitching depth in trade talks.

A Tight Trade Market Could Force Creativity

Finding trade partners this early isn’t easy. Most teams still feel like they have a shot, so they’re not ready to sell.

The MLB trade market usually doesn’t get going until later in July, and Hoyer figures that’ll be true again. That leaves slim pickings for deals right now.

Still, he’s thinking about some unusual options, like multi-team trades, to fill the Cubs’ needs. It’s not exactly straightforward, but sometimes you’ve got to get creative.

*“The market is undefined,”* Hoyer said at a recent press conference. With so many teams still in the mix, he knows he’ll have to get clever to find the right deals.

Pitching Workload Concerns Push Cubs Toward Deadline Moves

The Cubs are also watching their current pitchers’ workloads. Matthew Boyd, who barely pitched last season because of injuries, is under close watch.

Rookie Cade Horton is also feeling the pressure of his first big-league season. Managing innings for these guys makes Hoyer’s job even trickier as he tries to balance short-term wins with long-term health.

Beyond the Rotation: Building a Deeper Roster

Pitching is the top priority, but Hoyer’s not stopping there. He knows how tough the second half gets and wants to upgrade the bench and bullpen, too.

These moves would take some pressure off the starters and give the team extra depth for the playoff push. It’s not all about the rotation, after all.

• Bench Strength: A deeper bench gives manager David Ross more matchup options and flexibility.
• Bullpen Arms: Reliable relievers are always in demand for playoff teams, and the Cubs aren’t any different.

Financial Flexibility Fuels Confidence in Acquisitions

The Cubs have another thing going for them: money. Attendance at Wrigley Field has been strong, and Hoyer pointed out that this gives the team some flexibility.

Ownership isn’t afraid to spend when it matters. If the team keeps performing, they’ll be ready to buy at the deadline.

Balancing Decisions with the Team’s Position

That said, the Cubs aren’t going to make rash moves. Hoyer stressed that where the team sits at the deadline will shape what they do and when.

If they’re leading the division, expect them to go big. But if the June slump sticks around, they might play it safe.

Kyle Tucker’s Future Brings Long-Term Considerations

Outside of trade chatter, Hoyer talked about outfielder Kyle Tucker, who joined the Cubs last winter in a splashy deal. The team likes what Tucker brings and will look at a possible long-term extension.

Any contract, though, will depend on how the Cubs value him internally—no matter what former prospect Cam Smith is doing with the Astros. It’s a practical approach, and honestly, it fits the Cubs’ bigger goal of balancing what they need now with what makes sense for the future.

The Road to the Deadline

As the July 31 deadline creeps closer, all eyes shift to Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs. The NL Central race keeps tightening, making every move—or indecision—feel huge.

The Cubs could go for a stronger rotation or add some help in the bullpen. Or maybe they’ll just wait, watching for the right moment to strike.

Honestly, this summer on Chicago’s north side feels like it’s about to get wild. If you’re a Cubs fan, you probably can’t look away.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs eye pitching depth but willing to wait for deal