Cubs: Jed Hoyer is optimistic in their approach to pitching

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has spent much of the early week making himself available to the media. After giving an official end-of-year press conference on Monday, Hoyer spoke on 670 the Score’s Bernstein and Holmes show Wednesday. He had plenty to say regarding his vision for the team going forward, mentioning the need to learn from past shortcomings.

Fans who watched from 2015 to 2020 know that one of the biggest shortcomings during that time came in the form of a lack of homegrown MLB-caliber starting pitching. Outside of Kyle Hendricks, who was acquired as a prospect from the Rangers organization, the key starters from 2015-2019 were acquired as veterans via free agency or trade. Hoyer is hoping to change that.

Cubs: Jed Hoyer’s optimism when it comes to pitching

One of the biggest takeaways from Hoyer’s interview Wednesday was the optimism expressed regarding the pitching depth within the organization. He mentioned the pitching talent they have is as deep as it has been in the 11 years he has been with the Cubs.

"“Our depth, pitching wise, is probably at the highest point it’s been since I got here in 2011 – That gives me a lot of pride, we have a lot of really good people working on it.”"

It is worth noting that 15 of the Cubs’ top 30 prospects per MLB Pipeline are pitchers. They went very pitcher-heavy in the 2022 draft, including taking Cade Horton seventh overall. Horton is currently the organization’s highest-ranked pitching prospect. Right behind the right-hander in the prospect rankings is 2021 first round pick Jordan Wicks, who could very well make his MLB debut next season.

Hoyer, in the interview, also sang the praises of GM Carter Hawkins, who had previously worked with one of the best organizations when it comes to developing arms in the Cleveland Guardians. A huge part of their success this year, as in previous years, has been their high-powered pitching. The Cubs would love to have those types of arms consistently flowing through the system going forward.