Chicago Finally Gives Up On Jed Hoyer After Cubs Land $8M Star In Bold Post-Season Push

“Jed Hoyer never orders delivery; he always picks up his pizza,” North Side Baseball perfectly captured the Cubs’ president’s meticulous approach to roster decisions. Yet, despite his calculated style, Hoyer has faced plenty of heat for questionable moves in Chicago. Now, with a fresh rotation addition coming just days before their Wild Card clash against San Diego, the pressure on him has only intensified.

Chicago’s baseball landscape shifted dramatically as the Cubs made their boldest postseason move yet, claiming a veteran right-hander off waivers from the crosstown White Sox. While fans celebrate landing the $8 million starter, Aaron Civale, there is a genuine concern about whether Hoyer’s bet on the righty will succeed in the postseason.

The Cubs executed this masterful heist by snatching him from the White Sox roster without giving up a single prospect in return. This waiver claim represents the kind of opportunistic move that could define Chicago’s playoff run, as they inherit Civale’s substantial $8 million contract that Milwaukee originally invested in him before trading him away in June. The timing couldn’t be more crucial with the Cubs set to battle the Padres in a do-or-die Wild Card series.

Civale’s journey to Wrigley Field reads like a baseball odyssey filled with redemption possibilities. The 30-year-old began the season with Milwaukee before requesting a trade after being demoted to the bullpen, eventually landing with the White Sox for Andrew Vaughn. His stint on the South Side produced mixed results across 13 starts and 67 innings, where he posted a concerning 5.37 ERA and 1.37 WHIP while striking out 55 batters and walking 26. The White Sox had penciled him in as their probable starter for Monday’s game in Minnesota before the Cubs swooped in.

His performance tells a tale of two pitchers living in the same body. Civale has not won in his last four starts. His recent struggles against Kansas City paint an even more worrying picture, surrendering five hits and five earned runs in just 4.2 innings while managing four strikeouts and one walk. However, his dominant 17.1-inning scoreless streak from July 20 to August 2 showcased the ace-level potential that originally made him worth $8 million. The Cubs gamble that October magic can unlock the latter version when their championship dreams hang in the balance.

Cubs Fans React to Aaron Civale’s Move

Within hours of the Civale announcement, over 10,000 Chicago Cubs fans flooded social media with reactions—and let’s say that most of them weren’t celebrating. The waiver claim that management called strategic struck many supporters as another puzzling move by an organization losing touch with reality.

“There’s no need for this. Makes zero sense,” fired back one frustrated fan, reflecting concerns about adding another inconsistent arm to Chicago’s already struggling rotation that posted a 3.85 team ERA. “What? He’s only been a white sox for like a month?” questioned another supporter, highlighting the awkwardness of claiming a crosstown rival’s recent acquisition, who went 1-6 with them.

“Jed’s league,” read another sarcastic reaction, pointing to President Hoyer’s questionable deadline moves that failed to address the team’s .243 batting average with runners in scoring position. Cubs fans have watched their offense strand massive runners this season. “Someone please ask Jed on what we are doing,” demanded another voice, echoing widespread confusion about the team’s playoff preparation strategy.

The most creative response came from a fan declaring, “Can’t wait for him to face the White Sox in the Civale War,” capturing the bizarre nature of crosstown roster shuffling. This sentiment reflects deeper frustrations with Chicago’s 78-58 record, which many view as underachieving given their million-dollar payroll investment.

As the Cubs prepare for their Wild Card battle, Aaron Civale’s arrival represents both opportunity and uncertainty. Whether this crosstown acquisition becomes Chicago’s playoff hero or another questionable decision will be determined when October’s bright lights shine brightest.