Latest Cubs rumor from Jeff Passan suggests Jed Hoyer is about to level up at the trade deadline

With just one week until the 2026 MLB trade deadline, Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs continue to scour the market for pitching upgrades and, in their efforts to do so, are reportedly willing to do something we haven't seen often in recent years: move pieces off the big-league roster.

According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, Hoyer is 'willing to deal' both major and minor leaguers in his quest to solidify a pitching staff that's been ravaged by injury after injury this year, saying the Cubs 'are going to get at least one starting arm' before the Aug. 3 deadline

Passan singles out just one prospect he thinks Hoyer will make sure he holds onto - and that's young outfielder Josiah Hartshorn, who is in the midst of a breakout campaign with Myrtle Beach and South Bend this season. That means the likes of Kane Kepley, Jaxon Wiggins, Pedro Ramirez, Jefferson Rojas and Owen Ayers are all potentially available in the right deal.

Cubs may have to think outside-the-box to land their big starting pitcher

Most expect the Cubs to be among the most aggressive teams at the deadline and, already, they've been connected to several high-end starters, including Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta and Reid Detmers, among others. Given their needs, leaving the door open not only to trading prospects, but MLB talent makes a ton of sense.

I've written a few pieces of late talking about Miguel Amaya as a potential trade piece, given the number of contenders looking for help behind the plate - and we've seen rumors surrounding Seiya Suzuki pop up, as well. I have trouble believing Hoyer would move Suzuki given his importance to the lineup, but sometimes it takes bold strokes - and that would certainly fit the bill.

The big takeaway here is that the industry perception surrounding the Cubs is that the front office is willing to explore just about anything to upgrade the staff - in particular, the starting rotation. That's not a sentiment that's often attached to the Hoyer-led group and, while it's always possible he retreats to safe ground like he did last summer, there's at least a glimmer of hope fans will get the big trade they're hoping for.

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