Cubs’ Trade Deadline Decisions: No New Starting Pitcher Explained

The Chicago Cubs’ approach at the 2025 MLB trade deadline showed a blend of caution and ambition. They balanced short-term competitiveness with a clear eye on long-term sustainability.

With the playoffs in sight, the Cubs made sensible roster tweaks instead of chasing expensive, top-tier starters. They stuck to their philosophy of prioritizing young talent.

Rather than emptying their farm system for flashy rentals, the Cubs shored up their roster by targeting players who filled specific needs. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer navigated a tight market with restraint.

He went after depth pieces: swingman Michael Soroka, right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge, lefty reliever Taylor Rogers, and versatile utility player Willi Castro. The Cubs made these trades without sacrificing their elite prospects, which keeps their long-term edge intact.

The market for starting pitchers was tough. Top arms like MacKenzie Gore, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcántara, and Edward Cabrera just weren’t available—those teams held tight.

Hoyer saw the landscape and chose to protect the organization’s future. He didn’t chase upgrades that would cost too much in young talent.

At the heart of the Cubs’ strategy sits their commitment to prospects. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, and Cade Horton headline a pipeline loaded with potential.

Triple-A names like Moisés Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcántara, James Triantos, and Jonathon Long are close to contributing. These young players are the organization’s lifeblood, and Hoyer made it clear they’re central to building sustained success.

The Cubs are seeing the payoff from developing young, MLB-ready position players. Crow-Armstrong is quickly making a name for himself, while Matt Shaw’s advanced hitting approach has impressed scouts and fans.

This wave of talent gives the Cubs flexibility. They can stay competitive without gutting their future.

Instead of splashy moves, the Cubs made strategic additions. Soroka can swing between the rotation and bullpen, giving the team flexibility.

Kittredge and Rogers add experience to a bullpen that’s been solid but could use more high-leverage arms. Willi Castro’s versatility lets him slot in almost anywhere, which really helps with depth.

The Cubs pulled off these trades without giving up their top prospects. They sent out lower-level players and mid-round picks instead.

This conservative approach keeps the farm system strong. At the same time, it fills immediate roster needs and lets Chicago stay in the mix.

Even without a big upgrade to the rotation, there’s hope the pitching staff gets stronger as August rolls on. Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad are expected back from injury soon, and that could give the rotation a real lift.

With those returns and their deadline additions, the Cubs could solidify their spot as playoff contenders.

The Cubs are betting on chemistry and momentum by blending young stars with targeted veterans. Hoyer insists this strategy fits their values, and he’s not interested in mortgaging the future for short-term rentals.

Looking Ahead: A Competitive Close to 2025

The Cubs took a careful approach at the trade deadline. They seem confident in their current roster and trust the depth of their farm system.

Some fans probably wanted a big, headline-grabbing trade. Instead, the team doubled down on sustainability and long-term success.

Playoff odds look pretty solid at the moment. With some reinforcements on the way, Chicago sits in a good spot to compete down the stretch and still protect their future.

Will this strategy finally bring postseason glory? Or are fans in for another round of frustration? Honestly, it’s hard to say just yet.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Why didn’t the Cubs get another starting pitcher at the trade deadline?