The Chicago Cubs entered the MLB trade deadline with one clear goal in mind, and unfortunately, they did not meet it. Which has led to Levi Weaver of The Athletic (subscription required) describing their deadline in one word that fans will be disappointed to read: “timid.

The Chicago Cubs pulled off a narrow series win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, thanks to a walk-off homer from Justin Turner. But that late-game heroics couldn’t cover up a growing concern: Chicago’s trade deadline inaction is already proving costly.

After a MLB trade deadline period marked by the Chicago Cubs avoiding the cost for a controllable starting pitcher, they will face the same test this offseason.