All articles tagged with #jed hoyer
Chicago Cubs President Jed Hoyer confirmed that upgrading the pitching staff is the primary focus for the 2026 offseason following a two-game Wild Card Series sweep by San Diego. The team, which featured elite offense and defense but the worst pitching in baseball, faces significant roster turnover and a complex free-agent market.
Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer held a post-season press conference on October 2, 2026, acknowledging that the team's failure to secure home-field advantage and a deep postseason run was primarily due to pitching deficiencies. While praising the position player group's historic performance, Hoyer admitted the front office leaned too heavily on defense and failed to adequately address the pitching infrastructure. He confirmed that the offseason will focus on rebuilding the pitching staff, evaluating the health of key homegrown arms, and navigating a complex free agency landscape amidst a potential labor lockout. Hoyer also expressed regret over previous bullpen transactions and emphasized the need to improve organizational processes from scouting to big-league development.
The Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the 2026 MLB postseason after losing the National League Wild Card Series to the San Diego Padres in two games. The series ended with a 4-1 loss in Game 2, following an 8-0 defeat in Game 1. The Cubs' offense, which led the league in runs during the regular season, managed only eight hits across 18 innings, marking the worst start to a postseason series since 1901. The team now faces an uncertain offseason due to a potential labor lockout.
The Chicago Cubs exited the 2026 postseason in the Wild Card round, prompting a major offseason overhaul. Despite a historic season for Pete Crow-Armstrong, the team’s pitching staff was the worst in baseball. With key players like Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ entering free agency, the front office faces pressure to rebuild the rotation and outfield while addressing questions about the organization’s long-term strategy.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell and president Jed Hoyer confirmed that left-hander Justin Steele is a potential option for the team’s final regular-season series against the Boston Red Sox this weekend. Steele, who has not pitched in the majors since April 2025 due to a serious elbow injury and subsequent flexor strain, recently completed a successful minor league rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Iowa. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday before the organization decides whether to activate him. If activated, Steele would likely serve as a relief pitcher rather than a starter, providing the Cubs with an experienced left-handed arm for the postseason. The decision is complicated by the need to manage roster spots and the strategic importance of the final regular-season games in determining playoff seeding.
Bleacher Nation argues Jed Hoyer’s deadline haul—Gausman, Holmes, Peterson, Tyrone Taylor, and Zeferjahn, plus notable prospect moves for bullpen depth—signals the Cubs believe they can win this year. The rotation is strengthened (Gausman, Holmes, Peterson, Boyd, Imanaga) with Cabrera nearing return, and a deep bullpen to back them, all while the team’s elite defense and top-five offense remain intact. FanGraphs places Cubs playoff odds around 94% and division odds around 17%, underscoring a bold win-now posture and a potential postseason run this season.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said the deadline was about fortifying the pitching staff for the remainder of the season, adding two pitchers described as starting pitchers (Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman), plus Braxton Garrett, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Tyrone Taylor to bolster depth and versatility, with the Cubs stressing there are no more waiver trades left and acknowledging the challenge of losing some prospects in the process.
Chicago, guided by Jed Hoyer and Dan Kantrovitz, kicked off the 2026 draft prioritizing upside with five picks: RHP Cade Townsend (first round) a fast-moving, high-upside arm likely to reach the majors quickly; OF Caden Sorrell (round 2) a power-heavy bat with notable contact risk; 1B Myles Bailey (compensation round) huge power but hit/defense questions; RHP Carson Jasa (round 3) high upside but control concerns; and RHP Dylan Marionneaux (round 4) a high-spin pitcher with limited public scouting data. The club continues a trend of aggressive, upside-focused drafting to bolster pitching depth and speed up development for a competitive window.
Alex Bregman’s Cubs debut has been underwhelming, slashing .243/.327/.342 with a 93 wRC+, and he’s notably poor in high-leverage spots with runners in scoring position (.173/.250/.187, wRC+ 22), prompting questions about the value of his five-year, $175 million deal and Jed Hoyer’s rebuild strategy as Chicago pursues a World Series bid.
Jed Hoyer says the Cubs’ willingness to chase a big trade at the deadline depends on how securing a first-round bye would boost World Series odds, so blockbuster moves must be weighed against the team’s standing. With the Cubs about seven games out of a bye, they need to improve first, since the bye—and the associated odds—can heavily influence whether a Tarik Skubal-type deal is worth the long-term risk.
Chicago Cubs President Jed Hoyer reflected on the 2025 season, expressing disappointment but also pride in the team's performance, discussing offseason plans, player evaluations, and the importance of defense and pitching, while emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and team stability.
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is facing criticism for his offseason strategy, which includes adding players like Matthew Boyd and Eli Morgan to the roster but avoiding high and mid-range free agents. Rumors suggest potential trades involving key players like Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki for Kyle Tucker, despite Tucker's impending free agency in 2025. The Cubs' cautious spending, staying well below the luxury tax threshold, raises concerns about their competitiveness and fan engagement, especially with rising ticket prices and dwindling goodwill from their 2016 World Series win.
The Chicago Cubs, currently holding a modest 30-31 record and in the playoff picture, are looking to add a big bat before the 2024 trade deadline. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has expressed the need for more home-run power and is exploring options to improve the team's offensive output, particularly at third base, catcher, or designated hitter. The Cubs have struggled offensively over the past month, and Hoyer's flexibility in player positions could influence their trade targets.
Cubs President Jed Hoyer praised Pete Crow-Armstrong's recent stint in the majors, highlighting his defensive prowess and improved decision-making at the plate. Despite his potential, Crow-Armstrong was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa to get regular at-bats, especially with Cody Bellinger returning to center field. Hoyer emphasized that the move was not a demotion but a step in Crow-Armstrong's development.
Cubs President Jed Hoyer admits that the team needs to perform better than projections for a successful season, raising questions about their lack of aggressive moves in free agency. While big-name signings may have been out of reach, several players signed low-risk, short-term deals that could have bolstered the team without significantly impacting long-term plans. The Cubs' focus on staying under the luxury tax threshold for flexibility raises concerns about their commitment to fielding a competitive team, despite the availability of viable options in free agency.