I get it. In the moment, it's really hard. My initial comedown from Detmers to Zeferjahn was "whelmed". But I think if we take a step back, the Cubs are probably doing well this deadline:
- They added a reliable SP for the playoffs. They gave up practically nothing
- They got a back end reliever with velo and whiff. They gave up a player who, by the way they acted today, they believe to be a DH
- They got a somewhat interesting project pitcher for spare parts
If they can add Clay Holmes or another SP in the next hour, it'll be a good deadline for 2026. For 2027, the did BP shopping and may have replaced Rea/Assad types. They are still locked and loaded for a trade in the winter, but this time, they didn't sacrifice the 2026 team to do so like they did last year.
Would it be really cool to get George Kirby now? Hell yeah! But I also think this is a solid deadline and everything remains in play for 2027 while remaining a team who looks like they can make noise in 2026. So it's probably not sexy, but it would be effective.