The Cubs' recent struggles have sparked discussions about their approach to the August 3rd trade deadline. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's comments about focusing on pitching are understandable, but they may not be enough to address the team's issues. The Cubs' pitching staff has been a major concern, with a 7.11 ERA that ranks last in the Majors. This is despite the team's average or better performance in strikeouts and walks. The rotation's struggles are further exacerbated by a slate of injuries, including Matthew Boyd's left meniscus injury and Justin Steele's setback in recovering from UCL revision surgery. Cade Horton's Tommy John surgery means he won't return until mid-2027. These injuries and the performance of existing starters suggest that the Cubs should be aggressive in adding starters at the trade deadline.
In contrast, the Cubs' offense has been a bright spot, with a 107 wRC+ that ranks tied for sixth-best in the Majors. Several players, including Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki, have performed well above average. However, Dansby Swanson has struggled, with a 75 wRC+ that is well below his previous year's mark. Manager Craig Counsell plans to bench Swanson temporarily to help him regroup.
The Cubs have also signed righty Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract, providing depth in case of injury or short-term need. While Wantz's performance in the big leagues has been limited, his addition could be beneficial if the team needs a fresh arm.
In conclusion, the Cubs' recent struggles have highlighted the need for a more aggressive approach to the trade deadline. While the team's offense has been strong, the pitching staff's issues and injuries suggest that adding starters could be a wise move. The front office should consider making significant additions to improve the team's chances of making the playoffs.
