There is no question that the Chicago Cubs became a better team at the MLB trade deadline, but the prevailing takeaway will be that the Cubs were not ready to meet the asking price that sellers had for their controllable starting pitchers. Which, sure, the market seemed high, but the market is often defined by the actual moves that are made, and the deadline saw one of the best prospects in baseball get moved.
It would also seem that the Cubs are likely going to take this test once again during the offseason.