MLB: Chicago Cubs Press Conference Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Report: Cubs' Jed Hoyer expected to be aggressive at trade deadline

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:49 AM ET

After winning three of their four games against the Pittsburgh Pirates this week, the Chicago Cubs sit 5.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central with a 44-28 record, the third-best record in the MLB behind the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets.

The Cubs are expected to be aggressive before the trade deadline on July 31 to help find another starting pitcher, and Bruce Levine of 670 The Score had a positive update for the team’s chances of landing an ace on the mound.

Trades are available for Jed Hoyer

During an appearance Monday morning on the “Mully & Haugh Show,” Levine said Cubs president Jed Hoyer has the ammunition to make a trade in the wake of the Boston Red Sox sending designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of people over the last four or five days about possible trades, and everybody says it’s there for Hoyer,” Levine said. “There’s that money that they didn’t spend on (Cody) Bellinger or the Red Sox third baseman, right? Alex Bregman. That was another $30 million times four.”

The Chicago Cubs could add more offense

MLB: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs MLB: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jed Hoyer President of the Chicago Cubs walks onto the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Levine suggested that the Cubs might do more than land a starting pitcher and could add another hitter to an already scary offensive lineup.

“So, there’s money there for Hoyer to spend,” Levine said. “It’s up to him to decide how he wants to do that, and is it going to be an ace starting pitcher?… Do they need a little fortification with offense? It’s right there. Maybe, they can do a little of both as they start, hopefully, pushing away from the rest of the division.”

The Cubs have some extra time to make a move on Monday. They have an off day before hosting a three-game series against the Brewers beginning on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. CDT.

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Cubs President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer (L) smiles next to Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts (R). Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: