The Chicago Cubs have made a significant trade by acquiring starting pitcher Mike Soroka ahead of the recent deadline, a move that has drawn attention due to its associated risks. Following his first start with the Cubs, Soroka exited the game after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort, leading to his placement on the injured list.

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, acknowledged the potential errors in judgment regarding the trade, stating that, in retrospect, it does not appear favorable. "We knew the velocity was trending down," Hoyer remarked on Tuesday. He further noted, "We talked through that extensively. Given the market, given the asking price... we felt like it was a good bet to make. Right now, it's not looking like a good bet." These comments underscore the challenges teams face when assessing player conditions and market dynamics.

Prior to the trade, Soroka had shown signs of declining velocity in his final outings with the Washington Nationals, which could have indicated an impending injury. Although he underwent an MRI that did not reveal any injuries, his performance has been concerning, with a 3-8 record, a 4.86 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP in 17 starts this season. The definitive timeline for his return to the rotation remains uncertain, and any prolonged absence could critically impact the Cubs’ ambitions for a deep postseason run.