20 days ago
Get hot at the right time. That's some portion of the battle. On paper, the Cubs' front office has done as many things as possible to field a playoff team, perhaps even one that's good enough to compete for a World Series **** le, but the difference between celebrating in October and going home emptyhanded is often whether a team is hot or not during those few weeks in the fall.
Based on how the Cubs finished August and have started September, it's fair to say they have spoiled a lot of golden opportunities.
They went 2-4 (and got walked off three times) on a road trip through Seattle and Arizona last week and then came home and dropped two games out of three to the Reds at Wrigley over the weekend. The Cubs have been a streaky team all season; they have two ten-game winning streaks and a ten-game losing streak this season, and although they aren't stacking losses in a row the past few weeks, the Cubs also haven't done anything to gain ground in their division or the wild card race.
"It's so cliche, but it's just game to game. Playing well and playing consistently," team president Jed Hoyer told reporters on Tuesday. "Obviously we've had some series recently that we've struggled. It's just more getting back to being consistent, winning series. We can't control anything other than the team we're playing tonight. We have to play well consistently. I think that's what has my attention the most.
"We've done that for large periods of the season. This late-August period wasn't our strongest and it's getting back to where we were at the beginning of August."
#Cubs #team #done
Based on how the Cubs finished August and have started September, it's fair to say they have spoiled a lot of golden opportunities.
They went 2-4 (and got walked off three times) on a road trip through Seattle and Arizona last week and then came home and dropped two games out of three to the Reds at Wrigley over the weekend. The Cubs have been a streaky team all season; they have two ten-game winning streaks and a ten-game losing streak this season, and although they aren't stacking losses in a row the past few weeks, the Cubs also haven't done anything to gain ground in their division or the wild card race.
"It's so cliche, but it's just game to game. Playing well and playing consistently," team president Jed Hoyer told reporters on Tuesday. "Obviously we've had some series recently that we've struggled. It's just more getting back to being consistent, winning series. We can't control anything other than the team we're playing tonight. We have to play well consistently. I think that's what has my attention the most.
"We've done that for large periods of the season. This late-August period wasn't our strongest and it's getting back to where we were at the beginning of August."
#Cubs #team #done
2 months ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cubs made three major acquisitions before Monday's MLB Trade Deadline: starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. These moves appear to be very positive in an effort to help bolster the oft-injured Cubs pitching staff.
Earlier this week I asked you to give a grade for Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer's moves.
And in general, you approve:
That's a huge vote of confidence in Hoyer, with 94 percent grading his moves at B or higher — and nearly a plurality with an "A" vote, very close to the number who chose "B".
#sign
The Cubs made three major acquisitions before Monday's MLB Trade Deadline: starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. These moves appear to be very positive in an effort to help bolster the oft-injured Cubs pitching staff.
Earlier this week I asked you to give a grade for Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer's moves.
And in general, you approve:
That's a huge vote of confidence in Hoyer, with 94 percent grading his moves at B or higher — and nearly a plurality with an "A" vote, very close to the number who chose "B".
#sign
2 months ago
The Cubs made a flurry of deals before Monday's Trade Deadline, and one of Jed Hoyer's primary aims was to add quality starting pitching to the team.
And in acquiring Kevin Gausman, he appears to have done so. Gausman was as advertised (after a bit of a shaky first inning), throwing seven strong innings and allowing two runs, helping lead the Cubs to a 6-4 win over the Royals, their fifth straight victory.
That first inning for the Cubs' new right-hander included a walk and then a single by Salvador Perez that went off Gausman's foot for a hit. A double by Isaac Collins scored a run to give KC a 1-0 lead.
Gausman stayed in the game and after that was nails, including four strikeouts and inducing weak contact on his excellent splitter.
The Cubs then put together a four-run rally in the second that began with two out and no one on base. Carson Kelly and Pedro Ramirez singled and Dansby Swanson walked to load the bases. Pete Crow-Armstrong then singled and two runs scored [VIDEO].
#gausman #first #inning #scored
And in acquiring Kevin Gausman, he appears to have done so. Gausman was as advertised (after a bit of a shaky first inning), throwing seven strong innings and allowing two runs, helping lead the Cubs to a 6-4 win over the Royals, their fifth straight victory.
That first inning for the Cubs' new right-hander included a walk and then a single by Salvador Perez that went off Gausman's foot for a hit. A double by Isaac Collins scored a run to give KC a 1-0 lead.
Gausman stayed in the game and after that was nails, including four strikeouts and inducing weak contact on his excellent splitter.
The Cubs then put together a four-run rally in the second that began with two out and no one on base. Carson Kelly and Pedro Ramirez singled and Dansby Swanson walked to load the bases. Pete Crow-Armstrong then singled and two runs scored [VIDEO].
#gausman #first #inning #scored
2 months ago
Jed Hoyer finished his media scrum in the Cubs dugout at Wrigley Field with a simple phrase: "I'm tired."
Who could blame him?
Hoyer's front office made a flurry of moves before the MLB trade deadline Monday evening, adding four new pitchers and an outfielder onto the roster in a 24-hour span.
It was an aggressive deadline for Hoyer, who gave up quality young talent in exchange for a chance to go deep into the playoffs.
Included in the haul was a starting pitcher Hoyer termed the Cubs' "white whale" (Kevin Gausman), a veteran starter who also has vast experience pitching out of the bullpen (Clay Holmes), a dynamic reliever who piles up the strikeouts (Ryan Zeferjahn), a southpaw that will factor into future rotation plans (Braxton Garrett) and a right-handed-hitting outfielder that fills a need for this current team (Tyrone Taylor).
#hoyer
Who could blame him?
Hoyer's front office made a flurry of moves before the MLB trade deadline Monday evening, adding four new pitchers and an outfielder onto the roster in a 24-hour span.
It was an aggressive deadline for Hoyer, who gave up quality young talent in exchange for a chance to go deep into the playoffs.
Included in the haul was a starting pitcher Hoyer termed the Cubs' "white whale" (Kevin Gausman), a veteran starter who also has vast experience pitching out of the bullpen (Clay Holmes), a dynamic reliever who piles up the strikeouts (Ryan Zeferjahn), a southpaw that will factor into future rotation plans (Braxton Garrett) and a right-handed-hitting outfielder that fills a need for this current team (Tyrone Taylor).
#hoyer
2 months ago
CHICAGO — I've often imagined North Shore pals Chris Getz and Jed Hoyer meeting at the Starbucks in Winnetka to talk trade and maybe delve into some executive-level gossip over a cinnamon dolce latte.
Both of Chicago's top baseball executives were very active at the trade deadline, and made similar moves to bolster their rosters, adding veteran pitchers with postseason cred who are having off years, multiple relievers who can pitch in any situation, and even a spare outfielder who hits from the right side.
Neither made a blockbuster deal like the Los Angeles Dodgers did to acquire Tarik Skubal, but both probably did enough to convince their fan bases they do want to win in 2026 while also protecting most of their top prospects. Most importantly, they both filled their rotation holes, with the Cubs gaining two starters in Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, and the Sox getting Luis Castillo. And they did it without subtracting from their tight-knit clubhouses.
"I really feel like we were able to maintain this belief and magic that's going on right now," Getz said Monday on a videoconference call.
See you in the World Series?
#like #i 've
Both of Chicago's top baseball executives were very active at the trade deadline, and made similar moves to bolster their rosters, adding veteran pitchers with postseason cred who are having off years, multiple relievers who can pitch in any situation, and even a spare outfielder who hits from the right side.
Neither made a blockbuster deal like the Los Angeles Dodgers did to acquire Tarik Skubal, but both probably did enough to convince their fan bases they do want to win in 2026 while also protecting most of their top prospects. Most importantly, they both filled their rotation holes, with the Cubs gaining two starters in Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, and the Sox getting Luis Castillo. And they did it without subtracting from their tight-knit clubhouses.
"I really feel like we were able to maintain this belief and magic that's going on right now," Getz said Monday on a videoconference call.
See you in the World Series?
#like #i 've
2 months ago
If Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had one goal ahead of this year's trade deadline, it was to add the type of starting pitcher that a team in win-now mode needs and deserves. And on the eve of the trade deadline, we can now say that he has done just that. The Chicago Cubs landed one of the best rentals on the market Sunday, acquiring right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays for prospects Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene.
Gausman, 35, checks a lot of boxes for the Cubs, who have also acquired pitchers David Peterson and Aaron Civale in recent weeks. Not only is Gausman the type of frontline starting pitcher that Chicago's rotation has been missing, but what's more, for a team looking to go deep into October, he has the postseason pedigree that is sought after by every contender.
Chicago's newly acquired right-hander is 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA in 23 starts this season, but his 3.51 FIP would suggest that he has been a bit unlucky thus far in 2026. In his postseason career, Gausman has a 3.83 ERA with 56 strikeouts across 56 ⅓ innings.
There might not be a team in baseball that has been hit as hard by injury as the Chicago Cubs this year. And most of that has come in their starting rotation. After right-hander Cade Horton was lost to season-ending elbow surgery, left-hander Justin Steele hit a setback in his rehab and has yet to pitch this season. Right-handers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera are also currently on the 15-day IL.
Nonetheless, the Cubs have shown they aren't messing around in their quest to make noise the rest of this season as they try to get back to the playoffs. They designated right-hander Jameson Taillon for ****** ignment on Monday after his struggles continued. He has since been traded to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash.
#Cubs
Gausman, 35, checks a lot of boxes for the Cubs, who have also acquired pitchers David Peterson and Aaron Civale in recent weeks. Not only is Gausman the type of frontline starting pitcher that Chicago's rotation has been missing, but what's more, for a team looking to go deep into October, he has the postseason pedigree that is sought after by every contender.
Chicago's newly acquired right-hander is 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA in 23 starts this season, but his 3.51 FIP would suggest that he has been a bit unlucky thus far in 2026. In his postseason career, Gausman has a 3.83 ERA with 56 strikeouts across 56 ⅓ innings.
There might not be a team in baseball that has been hit as hard by injury as the Chicago Cubs this year. And most of that has come in their starting rotation. After right-hander Cade Horton was lost to season-ending elbow surgery, left-hander Justin Steele hit a setback in his rehab and has yet to pitch this season. Right-handers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera are also currently on the 15-day IL.
Nonetheless, the Cubs have shown they aren't messing around in their quest to make noise the rest of this season as they try to get back to the playoffs. They designated right-hander Jameson Taillon for ****** ignment on Monday after his struggles continued. He has since been traded to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash.
#Cubs
2 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 05: Manager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on June 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
2 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 15: Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer speaks to the media during a press conference o introduce Alex Bregman (not pictured) at Wrigley Field on January 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
With the trade deadline looming at the beginning of next month, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move that seems designed to protect their outfield depth for the stretch run.
The Cubs entered the week firmly in the postseason picture and are expected to be active buyers before the deadline. While much of the attention has focused on potential impact additions for the pitching staff, the front office quietly addressed another area of concern by adding a former first-round outfielder who was recently cut loose by a fierce division rival.
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
That move became official this week when Chicago quietly signed former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league contract.
#Cubs #illinois #january #week
With the trade deadline looming at the beginning of next month, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move that seems designed to protect their outfield depth for the stretch run.
The Cubs entered the week firmly in the postseason picture and are expected to be active buyers before the deadline. While much of the attention has focused on potential impact additions for the pitching staff, the front office quietly addressed another area of concern by adding a former first-round outfielder who was recently cut loose by a fierce division rival.
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
That move became official this week when Chicago quietly signed former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league contract.
#Cubs #illinois #january #week
3 months ago
Cubs get bad news amid Justin Steele update for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Cubs are one of the more obvious teams in need of starting pitching help this season, with the trade deadline their best option to improve their rotation.
With the Cubs a likely postseason contender, they really can't afford to add to this rotation with Cade Horton out for the season and the struggles from Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Edward Cabrera.
But what about Justin Steele? Well, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Jed Hoyer revealed an update on the left-hander that doesn't help the Cubs' starting pitching need at all this season, despite Steele having the chance to return this season.
"Cubs boss Jed Hoyer told mullyhaugh that he does not expect Justin Steele to be starting games this season," Levine shared. "Hoyer pointed toward a healthy 2027 for Steele. He did not rule out Steele helping in the pen at some late summer point."
The Chicago Cubs are one of the more obvious teams in need of starting pitching help this season, with the trade deadline their best option to improve their rotation.
With the Cubs a likely postseason contender, they really can't afford to add to this rotation with Cade Horton out for the season and the struggles from Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Edward Cabrera.
But what about Justin Steele? Well, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Jed Hoyer revealed an update on the left-hander that doesn't help the Cubs' starting pitching need at all this season, despite Steele having the chance to return this season.
"Cubs boss Jed Hoyer told mullyhaugh that he does not expect Justin Steele to be starting games this season," Levine shared. "Hoyer pointed toward a healthy 2027 for Steele. He did not rule out Steele helping in the pen at some late summer point."
3 months ago
TEAM TALK
Mic’d Up: Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels & Kevin Byard III during 2026 Patriots minicamp. (3 min. video)
From GMFB: LB Chad Muma shares personal ties to advocacy for managing diabetes. (8 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: WR logjam, How the rookies officially completed their developmental program, To-do list, Hoyer’s top QBs, Gillette Stadium shines, Troy Brown’s take; More. /Great read, as always, but… Troy Brown turns 55 next week?!? Wut???
Mic’d Up: Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels & Kevin Byard III during 2026 Patriots minicamp. (3 min. video)
From GMFB: LB Chad Muma shares personal ties to advocacy for managing diabetes. (8 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: WR logjam, How the rookies officially completed their developmental program, To-do list, Hoyer’s top QBs, Gillette Stadium shines, Troy Brown’s take; More. /Great read, as always, but… Troy Brown turns 55 next week?!? Wut???
3 months ago
Retired NFL Quarterback Ranks Drake Maye Ahead Of Three MVPs On Top Five List originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots saw Drake Maye finish as the MVP Award runner-up last season, and Brian Hoyer is very high on him going into next season.
There is no shortage of elite quarterbacks in the NFL right now, and Maye is just one name on a long list of star quarterbacks. While many agree that Maye is one of the best in the league right now, there is some debate about where exactly he ranks. Hoyer, who played quarterback in the NFL for 15 years, has him ranked second.
Hoyer revealed his top five quarterbacks on Sirius XM NFL Radio and had Matthew Stafford at the top of his list. Maye, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson closed out the list. He had Jackson in a tie for fifth with Joe Burrow.
"The reason I go with Drake second is not only what he did last year, but what I'm hearing coming out of Patriots camp right now," Hoyer said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. "A.J. Brown was talking about Drake taking over the meeting room. I was in a room with a guy who did that every day -- Tom Brady -- and when a quarterback takes ownership like that it can take it to the next level."
The New England Patriots saw Drake Maye finish as the MVP Award runner-up last season, and Brian Hoyer is very high on him going into next season.
There is no shortage of elite quarterbacks in the NFL right now, and Maye is just one name on a long list of star quarterbacks. While many agree that Maye is one of the best in the league right now, there is some debate about where exactly he ranks. Hoyer, who played quarterback in the NFL for 15 years, has him ranked second.
Hoyer revealed his top five quarterbacks on Sirius XM NFL Radio and had Matthew Stafford at the top of his list. Maye, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson closed out the list. He had Jackson in a tie for fifth with Joe Burrow.
"The reason I go with Drake second is not only what he did last year, but what I'm hearing coming out of Patriots camp right now," Hoyer said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. "A.J. Brown was talking about Drake taking over the meeting room. I was in a room with a guy who did that every day -- Tom Brady -- and when a quarterback takes ownership like that it can take it to the next level."
4 months ago
Cubs have to make this trade if they want to win NL Central, and Jed Hoyer wants to keep his job originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Cubs knew that the injuries were going to catch up with them at some point, but as usual, president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, hasn't done enough to ensure that his team has the best possible chance to win at the highest level.
Now at 32-28, which still isn't that bad given all the injuries Chicago has dealt with, they sit in fourth place in the National League Central and are 5.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
It's pretty much do-or-die time for the Cubs at this point. Either they go out and make the necessary moves to improve this roster from top to bottom, or they continue to struggle and don't find much success toward the back end of the season and possibly even miss the playoffs after making multiple expensive moves over the past six months to ensure they're in a position to compete for a World Series.
At this point, the Cubs have no choice but to continue going out and trying to land talented players, with right-hander Seth Lugo now being floated as an option.
The Chicago Cubs knew that the injuries were going to catch up with them at some point, but as usual, president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, hasn't done enough to ensure that his team has the best possible chance to win at the highest level.
Now at 32-28, which still isn't that bad given all the injuries Chicago has dealt with, they sit in fourth place in the National League Central and are 5.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
It's pretty much do-or-die time for the Cubs at this point. Either they go out and make the necessary moves to improve this roster from top to bottom, or they continue to struggle and don't find much success toward the back end of the season and possibly even miss the playoffs after making multiple expensive moves over the past six months to ensure they're in a position to compete for a World Series.
At this point, the Cubs have no choice but to continue going out and trying to land talented players, with right-hander Seth Lugo now being floated as an option.
