Failed MLB Trade Deadline pursuit tips Chicago Cubs hand for offseason wish list

The Chicago Cubs had a surprising MLB Trade Deadline as the team moved Christopher Morel along with two pitching prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes.

Prior to the move, the expectation had been for the Cubs to sell at the deadline with many expecting the team to move starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. Instead, the only true move that the Cubs had that was defined as a sell was when they moved Mark Leiter Jr. to the New York Yankees.

Instead, it seemed that the goal for Jed Hoyer at the deadline was to acquire talent for the 2025 roster.

Paredes' arrival addresses a long-term need at third base and it seems that Hoyer was eyeing a similar move to address the team's catching need. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic (Subscription Required) reported that the Cubs made an aggressive attempt to acquire catcher Logan O'Hoppe from the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline.

O'Hoppe, a leading American League All-Star snub this season, has quickly ascended toward being one of the best offensive catchers in Major League Baseball since making his debut in 2022. This season with the Angels, O'Hoppe is slashing .260/.320/.435 with 16 home runs and 111 wRC+.

Chicago Cubs seem to be in the market for a catching upgrade.

Considering O'Hoppe's ascension and the fact that he is under team control until 2029, it wasn't going to be easy for the Cubs to pry the catcher away from the Angels. While Sharma cited sources that applauded the Cubs' effort, it seemed that the Angels were not inclined to move their starting catcher, but talks could be revisited in the offseason.

It would seem that the Cubs will be in the market for an impact move at catcher this offseason. Within Sharma's reporting, it's noted that the Cubs no longer view Amaya as a starting catcher but still see a path toward him being the backup.