Chicago Cubs Explain Decision-Making as Trade Deadline Approaches

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talked about how the team is assessing its future in advance of the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told 670 The Score in Chicago that “there is nothing we want more than to add” players at the trade deadline of Aug. 1.

But even Hoyer acknowledged that the Cubs aren’t sure if they’ll buy, sell or do a combination of both by the deadline.

He did say that his phone is already ringing with teams that are interested in making deals and the second half of the season is just two days old, with the Cubs taking on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend.

The Cubs are in one of the strangest positions in all of baseball. Chicago is 43-48 after Saturday’s game with Boston. The Cubs are within seven games of the NL Central lead and are the only team in the division with a positive run differential.

The record says sell. But the prospect of a hot streak in the next two weeks keeps Hoyer thinking the Cubs have a shot at the division title and the playoffs.

"These decisions are really hard," Hoyer said. "We want to do nothing but play really well over the next two weeks. You are asking the questions about us selling but the decisions are really hard this time of year whether you are buyers or sellers, it’s a complicated time of year and there are a number of team that are in similar positions.”

If the Cubs become sellers, the targets are fairly clear. Outfielder Cody Bellinger, who is experiencing a resurgence offensively, would likely yield multiple prospects. Pitcher Marcus Stroman is throwing at a Cy Young level, wants an extension with the Cubs but can’t get it, and it is widely expected he’ll opt out of his option year if he stays with the Cubs.

Pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly could also be targets.

Whatever happens, the Cubs may not know where they’re headed until right up until the deadline, and Hoyer wants to keep his options open. But he acknowledged team management spent the All-Star break talking about potential scenarios.

“We don't want to use emotion or one day’s loss or one day’s win to dictate the direction,” Hoyer said. “That is the most important thing. We do need to make up ground first and make up ground on .500.”

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