Cubs’ Jed Hoyer Expresses Regret On Trade Acquisition: ‘Not Looking Like A Good Bet’

The Cubs traded for Michael Soroka at the trade deadline, but he has landed on the injured list after throwing just two innings.

The Cubs traded their No. 13 prospect, Ronny Cruz, and No. 14 prospect, Christian Franklin, to acquire Soroka. Soroka will be a free agent after the season, and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer expressed some regret on the trade after Soroka was placed on the injured list.

“Given the market, given the asking price…we felt it was a good bet to make,” Hoyer told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “Right now, it’s not looking like a good bet. … Doesn’t mean he won’t help us the rest of the year. Waiting on medical stuff.”

Soroka had a 4.86 ERA on the season and allowed an earned run in his two innings with the Cubs. Hoyer did note that he could still play a role, but his injury status is unclear.

“Look, you feel bad for Michael first,” manager Craig Counsell said, per MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, “and just hope that there’s just some discomfort there and a couple weeks can take care of it. That’s where we’re at. We’re going to have to wait to get more information before we know what we’re dealing with.”

The Cubs knew when they traded for Soroka that he had recently undergone an MRI. However, the MRI showed no indications of an injury. Clearly, that changed during his first appearance with the Cubs.

“I think there’s a lot of baseball left for this club,” Soroka said, per Bastian, “and I’d like to be a big part of that down the stretch. We’re going to do everything possible to be there.”

The Cubs’ pitching staff has been plagued by injuries all season. Soroka was supposed to help them get back on track, but now he will have to work his way back.

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