Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs actively seek additional pitching to strengthen their roster as the trade deadline on August 3 approaches. Recent actions, such as calling up veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa, highlight their strategy of making strategic, smaller moves. Hoyer acknowledged the difficulty in finding teams willing to trade players early in the season. “We’ll keep making small moves and patch holes,” said Hoyer. “The hope is that through these, we find a couple of players who can help us long-term.”
This need for pitching was emphasized after the St. Louis Cardinals overpowered the Cubs, winning 17-1. Recently acquired left-hander David Peterson, from the New York Mets, struggled significantly, likely contributing to his availability for trade. In his performance, Peterson allowed 10 runs on nine hits across 3 2/3 innings. Bryse Wilson, another recent addition, did not fare much better, allowing seven runs in his three innings on the mound.
The injuries that have befallen the Cubs are severe, with 13 pitchers currently out of action. Among them are three starting pitchers from the opening-day lineup. Peterson’s acquisition was a response to injuries of Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera, which further necessitated roster adjustments.
Hoyer mentioned, “There’s not a lot of sellers right now,” addressing the trade market’s current status. This scarcity is influenced by how teams are assessing their playoff potential. With several clubs within reach of playoff spots, many have yet to decide whether to make significant moves. Additionally, the upcoming draft has occupied much of the front office’s resources. Any significant changes are likely to occur closer to the trade deadline.
The trade deadline has added complexity this year due to a potential offseason lockout, potentially affecting baseball in 2027. Teams face the challenge of deciding if acquiring players with long-term contracts is worthwhile given the uncertainty surrounding future seasons. “Each team will address the potential lockout differently,” Hoyer stated, noting the resulting market instability.
Pomeranz returns to the Cubs with the hope of revitalizing their bullpen. He boasts a history of strong performance, notably in 2025 when he achieved a 2.17 ERA across 57 appearances. Having initially joined the Cubs from the Seattle Mariners in a minor league contract, Pomeranz became a key player under manager Craig Counsell. After being released by the Los Angeles Angels, Pomeranz signed again with the Cubs, pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Cardinals.
With left-hander Hoby Milner on the injured list, Pomeranz has the opportunity to reestablish his former prowess as a critical bullpen member. Manager Counsell expressed optimism about Pomeranz, saying, “We believe Drew is in a spot similar to last year, and it’s worth exploring.”
Before the recent game, Pete Crow-Armstrong was named the National League Player of the Month for June. His achievements were remarkable, including a .381 batting average, 11 home runs, and eight stolen bases, achieving a 1.249 OPS. Crow-Armstrong expressed pride in the team’s recent play and personal performance but remained focused on future goals.
Andy Martinez reports for the Chicago Tribune.
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