The Chicago Cubs have made a notable move by trading for starting pitcher Mike Soroka ahead of last week's trade deadline. However, this decision has become increasingly scrutinized as Soroka left his debut start for the Cubs after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort, resulting in his placement on the injured list.

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, reflected on the decision, stating that in hindsight, the trade does not appear favorable. "We knew the velocity was trending down," Hoyer mentioned, according to reports. "We discussed this extensively. Given the market and the asking price, we believed it was a worthwhile gamble. At this moment, it does not seem like a good bet." As Soroka's performance with the Washington Nationals waned, a discernible drop in velocity suggested a potential injury. Although Soroka underwent an MRI, the results did not indicate any specific injuries.

This season, Soroka has maintained a record of 3-8, with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 17 starts. The duration of his absence from the rotation remains uncertain, and any prolonged injury could significantly impact the Cubs' aspirations for a successful postseason run.