Jed Hoyer has been a major figure in the Chicago Cubs’ front office for over a decade, first as general manager under Theo Epstein, and now as the man in charge. But with his contract expiring after the 2025 season and the 2024 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, Hoyer is feeling the heat.
Despite all he’s accomplished, helping rebuild the Cubs into a postseason threat once again, the pressure is mounting. Why? Because after narrowly missing the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024, Chicago is finally within striking distance of greatness. They’re currently one game away from owning the best record in baseball, and expectations are sky-high.
Unfortunately for Hoyer, success on paper isn’t always enough in a results-driven league.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Hoyer is one of six executives under the most pressure as the July 31 trade deadline looms. Even with the strong turnaround, Bowden notes that Cubs ownership has not yet extended Hoyer’s contract, which speaks volumes. The front office might have nailed the hiring of manager Craig Counsell and reshaped the roster into a World Series contender, but ownership wants results now.
The Cubs are reportedly focused on several upgrades, including:
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Starting pitcher
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Third base upgrade
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Bullpen depth
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Bench reinforcements
After two straight 83-79 finishes, this season represents a true breakthrough moment. But getting close isn’t good enough anymore, Hoyer must capitalise by pulling the trigger on the right moves.
To complicate matters, the Milwaukee Brewers, their longtime rivals, are leading the NL and showing no signs of slowing down. That rivalry only intensifies the pressure to outmanoeuvre them at the deadline and gear up for a deep October run.
Then there’s Kyle Tucker’s uncertain future beyond 2025, which adds another layer of urgency. The Cubs don’t just need short-term fixes; they need sustainable pieces that can help them win now and later.
If Hoyer delivers at the deadline and the Cubs make a real push in the postseason, it would be hard to justify not extending him. But until that ink dries on a new deal, his future in Chicago remains unclear.
For Jed Hoyer, the message is simple: the Cubs are all-in, and so is the pressure.