The Chicago Cubs were anticipated to be active around the trade deadline, with expectations pointing towards them selling off players to focus on 2025 and beyond. However, Jed Hoyer surprised many by making a significant move, acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays.
This trade aligned with their long-term goals, as Paredes offers several additional years of team control. While it supports their future plans, it also benefits them in the present.
Given the flurry of activity in the days leading up to the deadline, it was reasonable to expect Hoyer to make more moves. Instead, the Cubs only traded Mark Leiter Jr. for a return that was less impressive given the market conditions. Rather than delve into the details of uncompleted deals, Hoyer chose not to comment.
At the start of the 2024 season, the Cubs expected Adbert Alzolay to be their closer, based on his strong performance in 2023 where he secured 22 saves and posted a 2.67 ERA. However, Alzolay has struggled in 2024, converting just four of nine save opportunities and posting a 4.67 ERA and 7.38 FIP before an injury in mid-May. Initially, the plan was for Alzolay to avoid surgery and rehab his forearm strain, but he will now need surgery after a setback.
Hoyer noted, “A lot of players were discussed, and many deals were considered to varying degrees. Commenting on uncompleted trades would only lead to speculation, which doesn’t help.”
While Hoyer’s avoidance of speculation makes sense, it leaves questions about his strategies. For example, was he seriously contemplating trading Jameson Taillon, a valuable starting pitcher rumored to be available? Taillon, under contract through 2026, could have fetched a significant return in this market. Trading him might have still allowed the Cubs to compete in 2025 by signing a replacement starter in the offseason.
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