Finances Be Damned, the Cubs Will Buy

There has been some confusing talk from the Chicago Cubs over the past week or so. First, Jed Hoyer was telling anyone that would listen that the Cubs will add at the deadline if they are still competing for a pennant. Then Crane Kenney went on Mully and Haugh on 670 The Score and suggested they are operating at a loss. Then, during Opening Day 2.0, Tom Ricketts suggested these sorts of decisions are all Jed’s to make…

So, from a “what is in the near-future of the Chicago Cubs” question, who the hell knows!?

“I think when it comes to the trade deadline, I guess I look at it from 30,000 feet,” Hoyer said. “We’ve been really aggressive here to win ever since we’ve been in a winning mode. I think that’s sort of undeniable. Sort of the industry standard that everyone uses — and there’s a couple very rare exceptions to this — if you’re in a pennant race you try to get better and you try to buy. We’ve always done that and I don’t know why this year would be any different.”

With the Cubs currently in the pennant race, one would assume that the Cubs will be buyers at the deadline, right? Right?

Sure, a lot can change from now until July 31st, but as I wrote a few days back, the performance of this team will change everyone’s mind. They have been doing that, and if you are adding significant pieces, those conversations should start happening soon. It is in the Cubs best interest to pull a 2017 and grab a starting pitcher in June, giving them a month plus for their contributions (à la Jose Quintana).

But, we also had to hear Kenney poo poo the ideas of adding at the deadline, kinda.

Crane Kenney says #Cubs will still lose money on the bottom line this year because Ricketts family allows them to run business at "break even level" in a typical season.

That said, Kenney adds performance will dictate whether the Cubs add or sell at the trade deadline.

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) June 7, 2021

I think at the time, we took this to mean the Cubs would stand pat. But, to fan’s credit, we have been conditioned to that idea over the past four years. In the 2018 offseason, Cubs fans thought the organization would supply the roster with a number of players which would cement their standing as the top team in the NL Central. But, alas, the Cubs stood pat and we got to listen to Tom Ricketts suggest spending isn’t a way to win. So when Kenney prefaces a comment about potentially spending or adding with the club is losing money, it means they won’t add in the fan’s minds.

But, almost as if he was asked to smooth over things to ensure there was a consistent message when Crane joined Berstein and Rahimi this Monday, he aligned his comments more with Hoyer’s messaging.

“Finances won’t be the issue at the deadline,” Kenney said. “As we know, the currency that most people are looking for at the deadline is talent. And the question is, ‘Will we be prepared to move talent to add to this team and can we find a dance partner?’”

So, we’re back to the idea that *IF* the Cubs are still competing at the deadline, the Cubs will add. Money will not dictate what they do, only play. So, Jed, if you’re listening to me at all, make a move now.

I am a believer in this roster from an offensive and defensive perspective, and I also believe in their bullpen. The lone area that could use a shot (outside of several players that are deciding to not get a shot) is starting pitching. Yes, all teams need starters. But, you have the chance to have something special here on the Northside and should pounce now.

I’m reminded of when the Milwaukee Brewers traded for CC Sabathia in the 2008 season. They landed him on July 7th that year, and he was able to throw 130.2 innings across 17 starts for the Brewers. It almost seemed he was throwing every other day in Milwaukee, single-handedly willing the Brewers into the playoffs.

The only guy that somewhat resembles Sabathia in this year’s trade group would be Max Scherzer. He is the type of guy the Cubs could hand a ball to every fifth day and know they will win. Outside Scherzer, guys like Kyle Gibson look attractive, but is his 2021 a flash in the pan? Perhaps runner’s up to Scherzer could be Danny Duffy or Dylan Bundy?

In any case, these conversations should start happening now. The Washington Nationals (or other “dance partners”) should be sending scouts to every Cubs minor league game. The dialog should start now.

I’ve been hyped about some Cubs teams in the past, none more of course than the 2016 team, but there is something about the way the 2021 team wins. It is everyone steps up and plays a role. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the bigs for three hours, you contribute. Maybe you’ve bounced around and were a failed first-rounder, doesn’t matter because you’re contributing. Then, the glue that has help this entire ship together, Kris Bryant is the NL MVP again.

This could be a very special summer in Wrigleyville. Hopefully, with a little additions, it is one for the ages.