What happened: Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is weighing his approach to the fast-approaching trade deadline during an uneven stretch of the season. After adding pitcher David Peterson, Hoyer signaled Chicago is in a wait-and-see posture rather than chasing aggressive moves. He indicated the front office does not see a wide field of teams positioned to make major deals.

Why it matters: How Hoyer navigates the deadline will shape whether the Cubs push to solidify a playoff spot or hold their assets. Chicago sits at 49-38 and has been one of the hotter teams entering July, raising the stakes on any decision to buy or stand pat. A measured deadline reflects confidence in the current roster balanced against the cost of parting with prospects.

What to watch: Watch whether Hoyer commits to buying as the deadline nears and how the Cubs' play over the coming weeks sharpens their stance.