Jed Hoyer On Potential Cubs-White Sox Trade: Difficult Because Of Outside Scrutiny

(CBS) Those clamoring for the Cubs and White Sox to engage in trade discussions stem from a logical place. The Cubs desire young, contract-controllable pitching, which the White Sox have. And the White Sox are in need of quality everyday position players, which the Cubs boast.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer is well aware of this, but he cautioned Monday after the trade deadline passed why it's so difficult for the two teams in Chicago to make a trade of consequence: the outside scrutiny.

In regards to trade discussions, Hoyer drew parallels between the White Sox and the Cubs' foes in the NL Central. Because of the Cubs' position of strength in being the best team in baseball now and boasting a strong farm system, Hoyer believes the Cubs would have to overpay a bit to get a deal done with a rebuilding foe in the division or in the city.

"Given our situation, you had two active sellers in our division, one active seller in our city, and so it's really hard to do deals with those teams," Hoyer said, referencing the Brewers, Reds and White Sox. "There's probably a tax you have to pay or not be able to get a deal done.

"It's hard. There are discussions that go on, but we also have discussions with the teams in our division. You just don't see a lot of trades in divisions -- not only our division, but other divisions. And having the multiple teams in the same city, I do think that's a challenge. I think that there's going to be a lot more focus or scrutiny on a deal that's made between (the Cubs and White Sox). At some level, I think that both teams are aware of that. I think when we were sellers (in years past), we had some awareness of that, and I'm sure on the other side of town, there's some awareness of that as well. I wouldn't say never. There might be a deal that makes sense someday, but (the White Sox) are certainly not a team we look at as a likely trade partner."