Cubs' Jed Hoyer Says 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Is 'Furthest Thing From My Mind' Despite Struggles

Despite a 6-18 stretch for the Chicago Cubs over their last 24 games, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer isn't in a panic right now.

Speaking to reporters prior to Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants, Hoyer explained the trade deadline is the "furthest thing from my mind" right now.

"Our position player group is deep, and it's pretty set. The backbone of our team is our position players. They have to play well for us to be a good team. We'll be looking at pitching at that point. [But] sitting here talking about the deadline, given how we've played, is the wrong thing to talk about."

They were on an extended heater to open the season, highlighted by an eight-game winning streak from April 28 through May 8.

After the final win of that streak, the Cubs' 27-12 record and 215 runs scored were both the best in MLB.

Since that time, though, the Cubs have lost 18 of their last 24 games. Their 81 runs are the fourth-fewest in MLB, ahead of only the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.

The pitching isn't helping matters at all, as Cubs starters have a 6.46 ERA during this stretch. They are only ahead of the Colorado Rockies (7.11) in that category.

One issue with any team looking at potential moves right now is it's still early, especially with the trade deadline not until Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

It's not unheard of for a blockbuster deal to happen in June. Last year, for instance, Rafael Devers was sent to the San Francisco Giants by the Boston Red Sox on June 15.

That was a unique circumstance because Devers' relationship with the Red Sox reportedly fractured during spring training, so much that he asked for a trade at that time.

It's also hard to find difference-making players who might be available right now. Tarik Skubal is the name everyone will be keeping an eye on, but he is still working his way back from elbow surgery with a rehab start scheduled for Saturday.

Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcántara has seemingly been on the trade block since returning from Tommy John surgery last season, but his 4.59 ERA this season doesn't suggest he would be a big boost to Chicago's rotation for a playoff push.

One thing that helps Hoyer and the Cubs maintain patience with two months remaining before the trade deadline is the soft middle of the NL standings. They are only one game back in the loss column of the Philadelphia Phillies for the final wild card spot.

Given how clearly defined Chicago's roster holes are, it seems likely Hoyer will eventually make a trade even if there is nothing coming immediately down the pike.