Theo Epstein Says Cubs' Problems Can Be Solved in-House, Not Via Trades

While the Chicago Cubs haven't played to expectations so far this season, team president Theo Epstein doesn't think trades are needed to turn things around in the second half.

"Our biggest fixes are inside the clubhouse," he said Thursday, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "This is largely the same club that won 200 games, averaged 100 wins over the last two years. There's not a player that we can realistically bring in from the outside that can spur us to play at that level."

The Cubs won their first World Series since 1908 last year following a 103-win regular season. In 2015, the squad won 97 games before losing in the NLCS.

Despite the past success and a similar roster, Chicago entered Thursday with a 42-42 record, 3.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

The middling play has led to plenty of trade speculation as the team prepares for the stretch run, but management would prefer to see improvements with the current roster.

"We like our club," Epstein said. "We don't like how we've played to date."

A year after five Cubs filled the All-Star Game roster, including the entire infield, only Wade Davis will represent the team this year. Kris Bryant hardly looks like the MVP from last year, and the entire rotation has struggled immensely.

Still, Epstein remains confident in a turnaround.

"The talent rests inside our clubhouse," he explained. "Inside players who are wearing Cubs uniforms right now."

Although the division remains winnable, the Cubs' biggest stars will need to improve their play from the first half of the year if they are going to defend their World Series title.