Overview
- The Cubs bypassed high-end starters MacKenzie Gore and Merrill Kelly to acquire midtier arms Taylor Rogers, Andrew Kittredge and Mike Soroka along with utilityman Willi Castro at the July 31 deadline.
- Chicago’s starting rotation still sits 14th in MLB in ERA and remains battered after losing Justin Steele for the season and dealing with setbacks to Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Mike Soroka.
- Deadline additions Rogers and Kittredge immediately boosted the team’s previously league-low sinker usage but the team’s late-inning assignments remain unsettled.
- After a standout first half, the offense has cooled since the All-Star break with Kyle Tucker hitting just .212 and bench depth remaining a concern.
- A coach, executive and scout all warn that Chicago may lack the pitching depth to match up against elite National League contenders in a lengthy postseason run.