This MLB Trade Deadline decision defines Jed Hoyer's goal of 2025 contention for Cubs

With the MLB Trade Deadline in the rearview mirror, Jed Hoyer’s quiet day on the day of the deadline raised questions about where the Chicago Cubs stand and what we can expect about the team in the future.

The biggest rumor that proved to only be a rumor was the idea of the Cubs potentially trading Jameson Taillon.

With the acquisition of Isaac Paredes, it became clear that the Cubs are planning on returning to contention in 2025. This suggests that they would have had to have been blown away with an offer including Major League-ready talent in order to move Taillon.

Jameson Taillon remaining with the Cubs could be a MLB Trade Deadline success story for the Cubs.

Although the Cubs picked up two new prospects in the Mark Leiter Jr. trade, their farm system is already loaded. They could use another potential ace like Cade Horton, but even in a seller's market, it's important to note that there were no Top 100 prospects moved at this year's deadline.

The Cubs’ starting rotation has been one of the best in baseball all season. They will address the bullpen in free agency and, now with Parades, have one less area of concern on offense. In keeping Taillon, the Cubs don't have to divert their available resources this offseason to a starting pitcher. Instead, they can be calculated with the moves they look to make to bolster the starting rotation.

Without the rotation being what it has been this season, you’re likely looking at a Cubs team that finishes nowhere near .500, and if that were the case, you could justify moving an arm like Taillon, who has been well above league-average over the last calendar year.

The Latest Cubs News & Rumors: