Chicago Cubs GM opens up about trade deadline finances and the tough decisions ahead

The Chicago Cubs, after going on this most recent 15-4 run, are back in a position where the postseason is once again a big topic of conversation.

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But even through this feel-good stretch of winning, the harsh realities facing this particular team are painfully obvious. The 2026 Cubs, if they want to make a serious run to the playoffs and go deep into postseason play, desperately need pitching—in the form of both starters and relievers.

Injuries have absolutely decimated this staff and have forced the team to rely on a steady stream of emergency fill-ins pulled from desperate waiver wire pick-ups and fringe arms signed to minor league contracts.

With exactly a month to go before the August 3 MLB trade deadline, Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins was peppered with questions regarding deals in a recent appearance on The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show at 104.3 The Score.

Carter Hawkins grilled on trade deadline options

Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins answers questions from the media during the MLB GM Meetings at The Conrad Las Vegas. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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When asked about whether the team, after spending a good amount of money in the offseason on free agent signings and contract extensions, would be in a financial position to pick up what they need, Hawkins assured that they’d have the resources to get the job done.

“We always want to be smart with our decisions,” Hawkins said. “Tom (Ricketts), whenever we’ve needed resources, he’s been there for us. So that’s just not our concern. Certainly, that doesn’t mean we’re going to go out and add $100 million to our payroll at the deadline. But I think if there’s a good move that’s good for our franchise and good for the current and future state of the Cubs, I think the resources will be there for it.”

Are rentals an option?

Jan 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A detail shot of a hat as Alex Bergman is introduced as a new Chicago Cubs player at a press conference at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

When asked about the team’s willingness to trade away prospect capital to acquire free agency-bound rental players, Hawkins insisted that all options are open, depending on the player and the price.

“I think we’re going to entertain any concepts,” the exec said. “We’re now in a position where we can dictate what direction we’re going in right now. Ten days ago, the sky was falling and ten days from now, who knows where we’re going to be. We’re focused on winning the baseball game today and trying to get through this game today. When we get closer to the deadline, and depending on where we are positioned as a club, we’ll make the best decision for the Cubs. If that [acquiring a rental player] is a scenario where that is the best thing for us, depending on the cost, depending on how we feel about particular pitchers or particular position players, or whatever’s out there from a rental perspective…But to say that one is definitely going to happen over the other, right now, would be pretty foolish.”

Last season, with the Cubs similarly in need of pitching for a playoff push, the Cubs disappointed many with what was regarded as a conservative haul at the deadline consisting of relievers Andrew Kittredge and Taylor Rogers, along with swingman Michael Soroka and utility man Willi Castro.

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