Cubs Focus on Pitching Amid Injury Challenges and Trade Deadline Outlook Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer emphasized at the start of June that the team’s primary focus remains on bolstering its pitching staff as they approach the August 3 trade deadline. Despite a struggling offense this month, Hoyer reiterated that pitching will continue to be the priority, as injuries have significantly impacted the team’s rotation. Hoyer spoke on Tuesday morning during an appearance on 104.3 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show, noting that conversations about pitching transactions are ongoing but typically remain on the smaller scale at this stage of the season. He attributed this to the crowded playoff picture in both leagues, which has left most teams in a buyer/seller limbo. “The major moves and significant transactions are much more likely to happen post All-Star Break or even closer to the deadline,” Hoyer said. The front office is currently exploring ways to strengthen the pitching staff through smaller trades or acquisitions, citing last year’s minor trade for Drew Pomeranz as an example of such a strategy. The Cubs are still hopeful that Justin Steele, their left-handed reliever, can contribute this season, though Hoyer acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his availability. “Whether or not he can help us at the end of the season is unclear,” Hoyer said. “I think it’s unrealistic to think he’s going to be fully stretched out at any point, so if he does help us, I think it’s going to be in shorter bursts. Expecting starts this year is unrealistic.” The long-term goal is for Steele to return to his 2023-24 All-Star form, ideally factoring into the bullpen and entering next offseason with a clean bill of health.#tarik_skubal #cubs #jed_hoyer #104_3_the_score #mully_haugh_show
