Jed Hoyer knows he’s running out of time. His seat isn’t just warm anymore—it’s blazing. If the Cubs don’t make the playoffs this year, there’s a good chance he’s not coming back as the President of Baseball Operations. And honestly, you can see the urgency all over the moves they’ve been making lately. He’s calling up nearly every prospect he’s drafted over the past few years—not just to help the big-league club, but to show them off. He’s putting them in the shop window for the trade deadline. This is it. He’s going all in, because he has to.
The Cubs are right on the edge of contention, but to actually make a deep playoff run in 2025, they still have a few major holes to fill. The biggest issue? The bullpen. They flat-out don’t have a proven closer right now. Every contending team needs that guy—the one who slams the door shut in the ninth inning without making you sweat. The Cubs don’t have that guy. They’ve tried mixing and matching, hoping someone would step up, but it hasn’t happened.
If Hoyer wants to fix that, there are some legit options out there. Ryan Helsley would be perfect, though getting him from the Cardinals might be a long shot unless St. Louis implodes before the deadline. Still, it’s not impossible. Another name that makes a lot of sense is Kenley Jansen. He’s not as dominant as he used to be, but he knows how to pitch in big moments and could stabilize the back end of the bullpen. If the Diamondbacks stay in fourth place, Paul Sewald could also be an option. All three of those guys have postseason experience and top-notch closer stuff—exactly what the Cubs need right now.
Even if they do land a closer, they’re still missing a solid setup man to handle the eighth. Porter Hodge has shown flashes, but let’s be honest—with a 5.12 ERA he’s not ready to be your go-to in the eighth inning of a tight game. He’s more of a sixth or maybe seventh inning arm right now. He could help bridge the gap, but he’s not the bridge’s final piece. The Cubs need someone dependable, someone who can face the heart of the order and get you to the closer. Jason Foley in Detroit could fit that bill. Scott Barlow in Cincinnati has experience. Trevor Stephan from Cleveland is another name to keep in mind. If Hoyer really wants to swing for the fences, maybe he makes a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for Tanner Scott who is struggling or better the Miami Marlins for Anthony Bender.
And then there’s the rotation, which took a major hit when Justin Steele went down for the year back in April. That one stings. He was their most consistent starter, the guy who set the tone. Without him, they’re asking too much from the rest of the staff. They need to bring in a starter who can eat innings and give them a chance to win every fifth day. Doesn’t have to be an ace—just someone steady. Tyler Anderson from the Angels could be that guy. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done. Zach Eflin from the Orioles is another interesting option if Baltimore decides to shake things up. And if the Cubs are willing to be bold, maybe they call the Philadelphia Phillies about Jesus Luzardo. That’s a bigger swing, but he’s under control and has legit stuff. He’d cost one of those prospects Hoyer’s been calling up—being included in a multiplayer deal—such as Owen Caissie or Ben Brown in a but it might be worth it.
Here’s the thing, folks: The Cubs aren’t that far off. They’ve got the bats. The defense is solid. They’ve got Craig Counsell managing the clubhouse. But right now, they’re missing those final three pieces—a real closer, a real setup man, and a dependable starter to take Steele’s place.
With that… If Hoyer can check those boxes before the deadline, this team could be dangerous in October. But if he sits on his hands and tries to patch things together again, it’s probably lights out. Not just for the Cubs’ playoff hopes—but for Hoyer’s time in Chicago.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!