Jed Hoyer Offers Insight into Cubs' Trade Deadline Approach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Graves | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 3:40 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have scored the second-most runs in baseball (376) and boast a strong defensive unit.

However, recent losses in Philadelphia and Detroit revealed where they're most vulnerable: the pitching staff. Colin Rea and Ben Brown gave up a combined 10 runs over 10 1/3 innings in back-to-back defeats to the Phillies.

Since Shota Imanaga's hamstring injury in early May, Rea and Brown have posted a combined 5.26 ERA. Injuries to Justin Steele, Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks and Brandon Birdsell have only deepened the challenge.

According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic , Cubs president Jed Hoyer addressed the team's direction Wednesday.

"Obviously, you don't know what's going to happen in the next month-and-a-half with that group. But right now, our focus would be on adding pitching and adding pitching depth. That would be the clear thing."

With the bullpen quietly producing a league-best 2.20 ERA since April 19, major additions there are unlikely, though not off the table. Hoyer emphasized the front office is still in the "information-gathering" phase, as many teams haven't yet declared themselves sellers.

Names like Sandy Alcantara and Zac Gallen have surfaced as potential trade targets, although their availability and cost remain uncertain. Still, for a club positioned to contend, it's becoming increasingly clear that reinforcements on the mound aren't just a luxury, but a necessity.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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