The Chicago Cubs front office made a strategic decision to enhance their roster in preparation for the postseason. With the team holding a prime position in the National League wild-card race, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer orchestrated several trades aimed at bolstering their pitching strength.
In the 36 hours before the MLB trade deadline, the Cubs completed four significant trades. Hoyer emphasized that this year’s deadline required addressing clear objectives based on the team’s performance and resilience. The main focus: adding pitching depth.
“Every season is different at the deadline,” Hoyer noted. “We focused on reinforcements to honor our team’s commitment and fortify our roster for the next 50 games.”
The Cubs acquired five players: right-handers Clay Holmes from the New York Mets and Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays, reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels, left-hander Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets. Zeferjahn and Garrett provide long-term team control.
To obtain these players, the Cubs traded several prospects, including former top prospect Moisés Ballesteros and two top-10 prospects, Jefferson Rojas and Jonathon Long. They also gave up prospect Brett Bateman, Mason McGwire, Ty Southisene, and minor-league pitcher Jace Beck.
“Ideally, you don’t trade prospects, but our goal is to win,” Hoyer said. “We believe in this roster, so it was necessary to trade real talent to enhance our position.”
The Cubs had hoped to secure a controllable starting pitcher, a goal they pursued in past trade deadlines. However, those efforts did not materialize. One potential acquisition was left-hander Tarik Skubal, but he was ultimately traded to the Dodgers. Hoyer confirmed discussions took place with the Tigers.
“The Dodgers did a fantastic job with that deal,” Hoyer remarked, acknowledging the trade’s success for Detroit and Los Angeles.
Gausman and Holmes represent crucial upgrades to a pitching staff facing injury challenges. Edward Cabrera’s return adds further depth. The Cubs are contemplating when Gausman and Holmes will join the rotation, with Garrett already assigned to Triple-A Iowa.
Holmes is currently recovering from an injury, having reached 73 pitches in a recent rehab start. Discussions will determine his readiness to return to the Cubs’ starting lineup.
The Cubs expressed interest in Gausman once Toronto made him available. His experience and postseason success made him an appealing target.
“The trade deadline is about finding matches,” Hoyer explained. “It’s identifying where your prospects align with other teams’ needs. With Toronto and New York, we found those connections.”
The Cubs’ postseason outlook hinges on outperforming the Milwaukee Brewers to claim a top-two National League seed, ensuring a direct path to the NL Division Series. The teams will meet several more times as the season unfolds.
“Our pitching is now stronger, but the Brewers remain a formidable opponent,” Hoyer said. “We’ve had a solid run, but challenging the division leaders requires top performance.”