As the MLB trade deadline creeps up, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a weird middle ground. They’re juggling playoff hopes with the bigger picture of organizational strength.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer has been pretty open about the team’s approach. He’s pushing for a measured strategy, not some wild, all-or-nothing sprint toward a World Series.
The Cubs have shown some real promise, though their plans for upgrading the roster are still a bit up in the air. As July rolls on, they’re weighing everything from payroll flexibility to the state of the farm system.
They’re not locked in as buyers or sellers. Instead, they’re ready to move if the right opportunity pops up.
Jed Hoyer’s Calculated Approach to the Trade Deadline
Jed Hoyer’s recent comments give a solid sense of how the Cubs are thinking. He’s made it clear that they want to balance quick fixes with the need for long-term stability.
He’s not keen on gutting the future just for a shot at 2023. The front office is more interested in trades that help beyond this season, not just rentals that leave the shelves empty next year.
Pitching Depth Receives Extra Attention
Pitching is definitely on Hoyer’s mind as the deadline approaches. Even with some strong outings—like Matthew Boyd’s seven sharp innings against the Guardians—the Cubs see the rotation as a work in progress.
Boyd’s 2.65 ERA this year has helped, but having seen pitchers come and go, the front office knows stability is tricky. The Cubs want more arms with years of team control, not just short-term fixes.
Shota Imanaga is back from injury, and Javier Assad should return soon, which helps. Still, Hoyer has admitted that thin minor league pitching depth makes ideal trades harder to swing.
They’re picky about who they add. If a pitcher’s only sticking around for a couple months, it’s probably not happening unless he’s a perfect fit.
Chicago Cubs’ Areas of Focus: Third Base and the Bat
Pitching isn’t the only thing on the radar. Third base is under review, too, as the Cubs look for more consistency there.
Names like Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez and Colorado’s Ryan McMahon have come up. Both could steady things at the hot corner, but there hasn’t been any real movement yet.
Suarez brings a solid glove, and McMahon’s bat is steady—those are tempting qualities. But for now, it’s all just speculation.
Seeking a Right-Handed Impact Bat
The lineup could use another quality right-handed hitter. Seiya Suzuki smashed his 23rd homer in the win over Cleveland, showing the power is there, but another bat would add balance.
Carson Kelly drove in three runs that same game, which was a nice reminder that depth matters. Hoyer’s not rushing, though; any addition has to fit into the bigger plan.
The Financial Factor: Cubs Have Options
Money isn’t a big hurdle for the Cubs right now. Hoyer’s said they’ve got the resources to go after upgrades if they want to.
That flexibility means they can address weak spots, whether it’s in the rotation, the lineup, or somewhere else. Still, they’re not about to throw cash around just for quick results.
Injury Updates Play a Role
Injuries are definitely shaping how the Cubs plan. Miguel Amaya, the young catcher, won’t be back until after the All-Star break, so they’ve got to plan around that.
How they handle depth at key positions will probably decide what kind of deals go down in July.
What Jed Hoyer’s Approach Means for Cubs Fans
Some fans probably want big, bold moves at the deadline. But Hoyer’s steady approach brings a certain peace of mind.
The Cubs seem set on building for lasting success, not just chasing a quick thrill. Hoyer’s focus on players with long-term value shows he’s thinking well beyond just this season.
Keeping an Eye on the Market
With the trade deadline closing in, Chicago holds some intriguing positions and financial wiggle room. That makes them a player in MLB’s busiest season for deals, though probably not the loudest one.
The Cubs might skip the splashy headlines and blockbuster moves. Instead, they seem set on smart, low-key additions that could give their postseason hopes a real nudge—without mortgaging the future.
The next few weeks feel huge, not just for 2023 but for how the team shapes up down the road. Fans are on edge, waiting for any trade news at all.
Hoyer’s careful approach inspires a bit of confidence, honestly. Whether it’s pitching help, a third-base fix, or maybe a new right-handed bat, the Cubs look ready to shift gears—but not just for the sake of it—when the deadline arrives.
Here is the source article for this story: Hoyer ready to deal before deadline; but all-in on the ‘25 Cubs? Maybe not
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