Cubs’ Craig Counsell Sends Front Office Message Shortly Before Trade Deadline

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With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?

Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.

The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.

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Speaking about the upcoming deadline, Counsell sent a five-word message to Hoyer and Hawkins.

"Just make the team better," Counsell said, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. "I don't think there's a specific to that at all right now. Most teams are in the same spot regarding that. There's a lot of ways to make the team better."

Counsell's comments fit with his broader message regarding the Cubs' roster construction, though it did underscore some urgency to improve the roster.

"Always looking at things pragmatically, Cubs manager Craig Counsell hasn't announced his preference between upgrading the rotation to finish the 162-game marathon strong, or fortifying the bullpen, which could be maximized in a short playoff series with days off built into the schedule,” Mooney added. “It's on Cubs executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins to accomplish both goals."

Rather than publicly campaigning for a starter or reliever in particular, Counsell appears content letting the baseball operations department determine where the greatest value exists.

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External observers continue to view pitching as Chicago's clearest area for improvement before the deadline. And that could create some matches with the New York Mets, a surefire deadline seller.

"Earlier this month, the Cubs had a full 13-man pitching staff on the injured list,” Mike Axisa noted for CBS Sports. “They expect to get some of those guys back soon-ish, but not all of them, so pitching reinforcements are a must at the deadline. The ready-to-sell Mets could own the pitching market thanks to their rental starters (Clay Holmes, Freddy Peralta), rental relievers (A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley), and controllable relievers (Huascar Brazoban, Luke Weaver). The Cubs and Mets are a trade partner match made in deadline heaven."

Even with several pitchers expected back from injury, Chicago's recent health issues have shown how quickly depth can disappear during a playoff race.

And Counsell's message suggests he isn't interested in dictating exactly how Hoyer and Hawkins attack the market. Instead, his request is deliberately simple: add players who improve the roster.

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