MLB trade deadline 2025: Breaking down Chicago Cubs' options - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — In the midst of a heavyweight battle for first place in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs are still scouring the landscape for help before Thursday's MLB trade deadline. On their wish list: two starters, a reliever, a potential upgrade at third base and perhaps a backup center fielder.

The man to get it done? President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who received a multiyear contract extension Monday as ownership believes he's the right person to lead the organization during this trade deadline and beyond.

With such a lengthy to-do list, why hasn't Hoyer made a move yet with just days left to deal? What teams want for those players has been sky high at the top and middle of the market, according to sources familiar with the Cubs' situation.

Sometimes, a deadline is all it takes to make things happen.

«No one's untouchable,» Hoyer said recently. «But at the same time, we have a lot of really good prospects and you have to feel like you're getting commensurate value.»

While the Cubs attempt to find the right fits for their deadline needs, here is where things stand at each area they hope to address.

Of all their needs, the Cubs view finding help on the mound to be their biggest priority, according to sources familiar with their thinking.

They rank 14th in the majors in starting pitching ERA, and their need for help is amplified by their lack of depth after Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga at the top of the rotation.

«They've known that was a need since Justin Steele went down,» a rival executive said.

The Cubs have «kicked the tires in a lot of places» in their search for pitching, one American League source said.

That includes starting pitchers at the top of this year's deadline like Washington