Chicago Cubs’ Strategy for the Trade Deadline

The question of whether the Chicago Cubs will be buyers or sellers at the upcoming trade deadline remains uncertain. Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, expressed that the next two weeks are crucial for evaluating the team’s position and understanding the league’s landscape. He noted that there is considerable uncertainty about which teams will decide to sell players.

Hoyer remarked, “We’ve got to wait, we’ve got to get closer to the deadline. This year, there’s a jumble, and everyone in the AL pretty much is still in the race,” before the Cubs’ series against the Minnesota Twins. Reflecting on 2023, when the Cubs appeared as sellers shortly before a notable winning streak, Hoyer emphasized the unpredictable nature of the trade landscape. That year, they retained Cody Bellinger and acquired third baseman Jeimer Candelario, ultimately finishing just a game shy of a wild-card spot.

Currently, the Cubs hold a top wild-card position and trail the Milwaukee Brewers by five games in the NL Central. Hoyer acknowledges their favorable position, adding, “I’m not ruling out any kind of position-player transaction, but the expectation is that we’ll focus on the pitching staff.” The upcoming weeks should clarify decisions on trades and which injured pitchers may return.

Starter Jameson Taillon’s return next week is positive news for a pitching staff previously hit hard by injuries. Having injured his hamstring in early June, Taillon is expected to play in the opponent series against the Detroit Tigers. “Hopefully Jameson will pitch coming up next week,” Hoyer stated.

Meanwhile, other pitchers are on the mend. Edward Cabrera, out with a hamstring/adductor strain, recently pitched and plans to engage in live batting practice. The team anticipates an August return. Relief pitcher Hoby Milner, recovering from an appendectomy, aims for an early-August comeback.

Daniel Palencia, suffering a flexor strain, continues rehab in Arizona, with a tentative mid-August return. “We’re making progress with Daniel, but we’re kind of not moving forward,” commented Manager Craig Counsell. Illness setbacks have slightly delayed his recovery timeline.

Justin Steele, another pitcher, remains on the sidelines due to a flexor strain. Counsell mentioned his prolonged absence since April 2025 necessitates a longer return process. “It’s just a longer ramp-up, so he has to do more and pass more tests,” Counsell explained.

For position players, third baseman Matt Shaw’s wrist sprain persists, hindering his return. Despite potential reinforcements from the injured list, Hoyer affirms their need for pitching depth. “You can never have too much pitching and you never have enough,” he shared, emphasizing the challenges endured in the first half of the season. The Cubs will remain vigilant, ready to act if opportunities present themselves at the trade deadline.