Complete Cubs trade deadline grades after Jed Hoyer dramatically reshaped pitching staff

When news first broke that the Chicago Cubs were going to trade for Reid Detmers ahead of Monday's trade deadline, it felt like the aggressive move that escaped Jed Hoyer last summer. Then, it turns out the reporting that surrounded the Detmers' trade was inaccurate.

In the immediate aftermath whiffing on Detmers, the Cubs snagged Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins and felt like the stage was set for the front office to underwhelm. Instead, the hours that followed saw the Cubs make an aggressive trade with the Los Angeles Angels to check off a major box for the bullpen, and then circling back to the Mets to round out the rotation and add an established right-handed bat on the bench.

Complete grades for Jed Hoyer's boldest trade deadline yet as the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations

It was a level of urgency and intent from Hoyer that suggests he's all-in for this season. Some doubted that Hoyer had this caliber of a deadline approach in him, and he swiftly proved them wrong today.

August 2: Cubs trade Jameson Taillon to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations. GRADE: A.

Honestly, it's geniunely surprising the Cubs got anything of value for the Jameson Taillon. He was designated for assignment last week, and it felt inevitable that he was going to be released. Even if the Cubs just cut their losses with Taillon by letting him reach free agency, that would have been a victory. The fact the Blue Jays picked up his remaining money, there was nothing not to like about that deal.

August 2: Cubs trade infielder Ty Southisene (MLB Pipeline's No. 13) and outfielder Brett Bateman (MLB Pipeline's No. 17) to the Toronto Blue Jays for Kevin Gausman. GRADE: B

If nothing else, the Cubs had to walk away from the deadline with a starting pitcher capable of taking the mound for the team in October. Ahead of the deadline, it was reported that the Cubs were looking to add three pitchers to their staff. As part of that strategy, they needed ot find a way to thread the needle between finding an effective rental starting pitcher without sacrificing any of their top prospects. Gausman checks that box and the Cubs won't be in a position to miss Southisene or Bateman.

August 3: Cubs trade infielder Jonathon Long (MLB Pipeline's No. 10) and pitcher Jace Beck (MLB Pipeline's No. 28) to the Miami Marlins for Braxton Garrett. GRADE: C

While improving the pitching staff was certainly one of the top goals for the Cubs at the deadline, they also wanted to add a starting pitcher under control beyond this season. They accomplished that with Garrett, but he very much should be considered a project. He didn't look great with the Marlins upon his initial return from Tommy John surgery, but he has been impressing in Triple-A. This is one trade that is going to need time before it can truly be graded out.

August 3: Cubs trade C/DH Moises Ballesteros and pitcher Mason McGwire (MLB Pipeline No. 18) to the Los Angeles Angels for hard-throwing relief pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn. GRADE: B

This deal was the biggest indicator that the Cubs are placing an emphasis on winning now. Yeah, Zeferjahn is under control through the 2030 season, but Ballesteros is someone that was pretty close to being untouchable at the start of the season. Not to mention, McGwire was named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game this season. The price stings, but Zeferjahn has the profile of someone who could be the next great bullpen ace in baseball. There's still some work needed with his command, and making sure his success this season sustains, but this was a bold approach for the Cubs to ensure they have an anchor in their bullpen.

August 3: Cubs trade infielder Jefferson Rojas (MLB Pipeline's No. 2) to the New York Mets for starting pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. GRADE: A

On one hand, it's bold for the Cubs to give up one of their top prospects, and a top-100 prospect, for two rental players. That said, there's likely a strong chance that if all goes well for Holmes over these next two months, he will be a clear re-sign candidate for the front office. Not to mention, Taylor gives the Cubs an established fourth outfielder capable of raking against left-handed pitchers. Considering the Cubs' starting infield is under control through the 2029 season, this the exact type of deal they should have been comfortable with.

No, the Cubs didn't land Tarik Skubal, but they were never going to. Yes, you would have liked to had a more established controllable starting pitcher than Garrett, but in totality, this was a very aggressive and successful trade deadline for Jed Hoyer. It may not all age in the Cubs' favor when all is said and done, but this is approach that was needed and Hoyer met the moment.

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