Latest news with #JedHoyer
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Insider Floats Angels' Ace Tyler Anderson as a Fit for Cubs
MLB Insider Floats Angels' Ace Tyler Anderson as a Fit for Cubs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The largest concern the Chicago Cubs are facing this season is the demise of their starting rotation. With Shota Imanaga returning in the coming weeks, this should alleviate a good portion of the problem; however, the absence of Justin Steele might prove to be an Achilles' heel in an otherwise World Series-caliber team. Advertisement Recognizing the issue at its onset, Cubs' president Jed Hoyer has been on the hunt for an arm that could round out a top-of-the-line rotation. On Wednesday, one MLB insider made an attempt to save him the trouble. In a recent article from Mark Feinsand proposed that the Cubs take a flier on Los Angeles Angels' ace Tyler Anderson. 'Anderson has gotten knocked around in three June starts (0-2, 9.00 ERA), but the left-hander pitched to a 3.39 ERA in his first 11 outings and would be a quality mid-rotation addition for most contenders,' he wrote. 'The 35-37 Angels are only two games out of a Wild Card spot, but four teams stand between Los Angeles and Seattle, which currently holds that third Wild Card spot.' Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson (31) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Fluharty-Imagn Images Tyler Anderson finished the 2024 season with a 3.81 ERA in 179.1 innings. His best year came in 2022 with the Dodgers, posting a 2.57 ERA. That season, Anderson threw five shutout innings in the Dodgers' NLDS Game 4 loss to the Padres. The Dodgers would lose the series, but Anderson gained notoriety for blanking the dangerous San Diego lineup. The two-time All-Star owns a career postseason ERA of 2.25. Advertisement Pitching to a 4.44 ERA this season, the 35-year-old southpaw doesn't appear to be the ace Hoyer is desperately searching for, but with Anderson, looks can be deceiving. As Hoch noted, his struggles through the last two starts ballooned his once-great numbers. Related: Cubs' Justin Steele Sends Strong Message Amid Pete Crow-Armstrong's Big Night This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Insider Floats Cubs as a Landing Spot for Resurgent Pirates' Pitcher Andrew Heaney
MLB Insider Floats Cubs as a Landing Spot for Resurgent Pirates' Pitcher Andrew Heaney originally appeared on Athlon Sports. This season, the Chicago Cubs have a clear need for a starter. The season-ending injury to Justin Steele has left a noticeable gap which Jed Hoyer intends to fill. While Hoyer continues his search, MLB insider Mark Feinsand took it upon himself to propose a satisfactory solution. Advertisement When writing about trade candidates and their potential suitors, Feinsand proposed trading for Andrew Heaney. He wrote this of Heaney: 'No, this isn't the Pittsburgh starting pitcher whose potential availability has generated so much buzz, but Paul Skenes isn't going anywhere anytime soon,' he wrote. 'Mitch Keller could be in play, though he's signed through 2028, so Heaney – who is pitching on a one-year, $5.25 million deal – could be a better option. Heaney is 3-5 despite a 3.33 ERA in 14 starts, and the 34-year-old has pitched in the postseason in two of the past three seasons.' Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (45) reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Heaney is in the midst of a career year. His 3.33 ERA this season has lowered his rather unbecoming career ERA to 4.37. On a one-year deal with the Pirates, who's non-sea worthy vessel is rapidly sinking, Heaney is one of the few productive pieces the Bucs would care to part with that can bring them a nice package in return. Advertisement For the Cubs, bringing Heaney aboard wouldn't be like finding a new ace, but with his performance his year, he could easily stabilize their wobbly rotation. And one of the key selling points is his $5.25 million contract, which would save the Cubs a lot of money chasing after most names that have seen similar success. Related: Cubs Trade Idea Lands 3.88 ERA Starter Related: MLB Insider Floats Angels' Ace as a Fit for Cubs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jed Hoyer Reveals Tough News on Cubs Trade Deadline Plans
Jed Hoyer Reveals Tough News on Cubs Trade Deadline Plans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As mentioned many times before, if Jed Hoyer wants to continue having his job with the Chicago Cubs over the next few years, he needs to do what's right at the trade deadline. Advertisement Sure, the Cubs have done what they've needed to do early in the season, sitting in first place by 5.5 games in the National League Central. However, the campaign is still very young, and if the Cubs don't continue to play this way in the second half, things could get interesting. There's no way to guarantee wins in Major League Baseball. Even if the Cubs put together the best team of all time, this is baseball at the end of the day. Things happen, and everybody seems to understand that. However, if Hoyer doesn't go out and make the moves he has to, there will be no excuses. Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer speaks before introducing Craig Counsell as new Cubs manager during a press conference in Chicago. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images But according to a recent report, it sounds like that's what will happen. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic shared that the Cubs aren't expected to go after any big-name arms, as Hoyer has built a decent rotation and bullpen by adding under-the-radar pitchers. Advertisement "The Cubs have built a strong bullpen primarily by looking for value adds like Brad Keller, Chris Flexen and Drew Pomeranz. Continuing to add around the margins makes sense," the insider wrote in reference to the reliever market,' he wrote. Now, that isn't to say that there couldn't be a few diamonds in the rough for the Cubs to pursue. However, if Hoyer wants to make a splash at the deadline, which seems like something he has to do, he can't go in thinking he shouldn't trade for a star. Perhaps this is a matter for the Cubs' ownership group, but no matter what, it'll be very disappointing to see Chicago not go all in at the deadline. Related: MLB Trade Idea Eyes Electric Young Flame-Thrower for Chicago Cubs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Justin Steele's injury exposes Cubs' risky strategy as ESPN delivers brutal reality check on Jed Hoyer
Justin Steele's injury exposes Cubs' risky strategy as ESPN delivers brutal reality check on Jed Hoyer (Image via Getty) The Chicago Cubs started this season with big hopes. Their pitching looked strong, their lineup had balance, and fans expected a deep playoff run. But something unexpected changed everything. Now, the front office is under the spotlight, and all eyes are on Cubs president Jed Hoyer. A recent message from ESPN is only adding to the urgency and fans are wondering what happens next. Jed Hoyer slammed after Justin Steele injury reveals shaky foundation of Chicago Cubs roster Injury has kept one of the Cubs' best pitchers, Justin Steele, off the mound since early June 2025. His absence has left the team's rotation quite open. Without him, the Cubs have had to count on Ben Brown, whose ERA is 5. 71, and Colin Rea, who has had problems with reliability. — msports_all (@msports_all) This has affected the team's strength on the field. Even though the Cubs have a great record — 44 wins and 28 losses as of mid-June — many experts think their pitching is not strong enough to win in the playoffs. Buster Olney, a top ESPN baseball reporter, wrote in a recent article that the Cubs' problem is clear. He said, 'Chicago is so good… the question for Hoyer is not if the Cubs will make the playoffs, but how they'll win when it matters most.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo This means just getting into the playoffs is not enough anymore. Jed Hoyer's next move could shape Cubs' whole season On Monday, June 17, 2025, Bruce Levine, a veteran MLB insider, spoke on 670 The Score's 'Mully & Haugh Show' in Chicago. He said the trade market is ready and that it's time for Jed Hoyer to act. Levine mentioned, 'I've been talking to a lot of people over the last four or five days… and everybody says it's there for Hoyer.' Also Read: ' Getting Another Opinion': Cubs' Manager Craig Counsell Reacts On Justin Steele's Elbow Injury Levine also said the Cubs have money to spend. Because they didn't give big contracts to players like Cody Bellinger or Rafael Devers, the front office now has extra funds, nearly $120 million. That could help them trade for a new top pitcher or maybe even a strong batter. With a big series against the Milwaukee Brewers coming up, this week could be very important. Fans, media, and other teams are watching to see if Hoyer will make a bold move or wait too long.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What we're hearing about the Cubs: Kyle Tucker, Shota Imanaga and another walk-off win
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are performing at a level where this year becomes all about maximizing their chances in October. Sensing the moment, the president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, will be aggressive in adding pitching ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. The next six-plus weeks will determine whether the Cubs also need to get another hitter for a complementary role. Advertisement The Cubs took care of business in May, padding their record during a softer stretch of the schedule that featured the Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies. If the position players stay largely healthy, Hoyer's front office can focus on bench options, since third baseman Matt Shaw has seized that job. After recent summers that were bogged down in buy-or-sell debates, the Cubs are no longer dealing with that ambiguity. Although the offense has inevitably cooled off, the first-place Cubs gained ground in the National League Central during this more challenging portion of their schedule, when opponents lined up Cy Young Award contenders such as Tarik Skubal, Zack Wheeler and Paul Skenes. 'It's a really good thing for us to be able to go through facing arms like that,' Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said. 'We've done a really good job of putting at-bats on guys and making them work. It hasn't necessarily shown up in the run column as much, but I just feel like the intent and the preparation has been really good with this group. 'That will pay off for us here in the end.' Cubs players, officials and their families enjoyed a Father's Day picnic on the Wrigley Field grass after Sunday afternoon's 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 10 innings. Before the slides and bounce house were inflated in left field — and the food and drink stations were set up in right field — Ian Happ lined a clutch hit off Pirates closer David Bednar to spark another walk-off celebration. 'The run-scoring environment at Wrigley this year just hasn't been great,' Happ said. 'You saw four or five balls hit today that are doubles or homers in other places. It pulls the outfielders in a little bit and makes the outfield really small, so you have to find ways to win that baseball game. Our bullpen and our starting staff consistently keeping us in games has been huge.' Advertisement The Cubs took the four-game series from the Pirates with three narrow victories — 3-2, 2-1 and 3-2 — around a 2-1 loss in which Skenes used up his 95 pitches in only five innings. Being adaptable for the Friendly Confines — where the elements are so unpredictable — remains a point of emphasis. On the road, the Cubs recently matched up well against the American League's best team, losing a three-game series in which the Detroit Tigers cumulatively outscored them 8-7 while starting Skubal and Jack Flaherty in what resembled a playoff atmosphere. The Cubs hung in there last week against Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies ace, before losing an 11-inning game. The Cubs avoided the sweep, however, while going up against Mick Abel, a top pitching prospect, and Jesús Luzardo, the front-line starter they nearly acquired last offseason before spiking that deal over medical concerns. While extending their division lead, the Cubs have also faced off against MacKenzie Gore, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo and Nick Martinez, and demonstrated an ability to execute in key moments. 'Great pitching usually beats good hitting,' Swanson said. 'That's just the nature of this game. That's why you fail seven times out of 10 and you're pretty darn good. But it's really good for us to be able to go through stretches where we have to really compete and find ways to win games.' • Kyle Tucker was noticeably absent from Sunday's lineup, especially with the Cubs off on Monday and the Pirates starting Mitch Keller, another good pitcher whose career numbers against left-handed hitters are subpar. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that Tucker's recent injury — the All-Star outfielder is dealing with a sprained right ring finger — remains a consideration: 'It's there. It's not bad. But this was a chance to try to get him two days without swinging a bat.' Advertisement Since exiting that June 1 game as a precaution, Tucker sat out another game, subbed in as a pinch hitter twice and started as the designated hitter three times. The Pirates intentionally walked Tucker when he entered Sunday's game as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning. The Cubs will continue to monitor this issue, as they have no way to fully replace Tucker's left-handed power, alert base running, Gold Glove defense and overall aura. • Shota Imanaga is scheduled to throw another bullpen session in Arizona before making his next rehab start on Friday with Triple-A Iowa. The All-Star pitcher, who's coming back from a strained left hamstring, threw 55 pitches between Saturday's outing in the Arizona Complex League and an extra session in the bullpen. At this point, the Cubs have not yet decided whether Imanaga will need an additional Triple-A start. If Imanaga builds his pitch count up to around 75 with Iowa and experiences no setbacks, he could return to the rotation in late June during a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals. • Drew Pomeranz was unavailable for Sunday's game, though that decision had more to do with his recent workload than the lower back tightness he felt during Saturday's eighth inning. Using Pomeranz out of the bullpen on Sunday would have meant pushing him on back-to-back-to-back days. The Cubs will be particularly careful with Pomeranz, 36, who did not throw a major-league pitch in any of the last three years. Yet, since being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a minor April transaction, the lefty's ERA through 20 appearances is 0.00. (Top photo of Ian Happ celebrating his walk-off 10th-inning single: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
