Sat Aug 02 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs’ Trade Deadline Approach Draws Criticism for Pragmatism**
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Cubs’ moves at Thursday’s MLB trade deadline have been met with mixed reactions, with many questioning whether the team did enough to bolster their roster for a playoff push. While no individual trade was considered disastrous, the Cubs’ reluctance to overpay for top-tier starting pitching has drawn criticism.
General Manager Jed Hoyer’s adherence to strict valuation principles, dubbed the “Domino’s Pizza” approach of prioritizing cost savings over strategic acquisitions, has been highlighted as a potential flaw. The Cubs acquired utility man Willi Castro, starting pitcher Mike Soroka, and relievers Taylor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge, moves that, while improving the roster, failed to address the pressing need for a top-of-the-rotation arm.
Critics argue that Hoyer’s pragmatism prevented the Cubs from acquiring controllable starting pitchers like MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan, even if it meant exceeding their perceived value. The team’s reluctance to part with top prospects like Matt Shaw or Cade Horton has also been questioned, as the Cubs now face a potential logjam of outfield prospects with uncertain paths to the major league roster.
While Hoyer defended the team’s approach, stating that prices for starting pitching were too high, many feel the Cubs missed an opportunity to elevate their ceiling and compete for a World Series title. The Cubs are banking on returns to Jameson Taillon and Assad to provide additional starting pitching. The deadline has once again raised the question: Are the Cubs missing on being aggressive enough to aquire their needed player at a slightly higher price?
First Piper 