You’re going to want to read today’s Q&A at ESPN with Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer, if for no other reason than to see if you leave it with the same sense I got.

It’s also just a good set of questions and interesting/fun/informative answers:

I even asked about the ‘R’ word :Jed Hoyer Q&A: Where the Cubs stand with Kris Bryant and more https://t.co/coDj6QthdS — Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 1, 2020

Despite the interview being conducted in the last couple days, and despite the reality that when Spring Training arrives (in 10 days) teams prefer not to make major moves, I find it very interesting that Hoyer still leans on the idea that the offseason isn’t over, refusing to take Jesse Rogers’ offers on more or less calling the offseason a wrap.

At this point in the offseason, he very easily could’ve focused his points on the guys they have, how competitive they can be with this group, and spun some other thoughtful BS about how they actually are happy with the way things have turned out. But he really didn’t do that. He of course mentioned the talent and the potential to win, but mostly, Hoyer repeatedly emphasized that there is still time:

“The offseason is not over.”

“For the Cubs, things probably got pushed back a little bit. We’re probably at a different place in the offseason, calendarwise, than we normally would have been.”

“We’re not necessarily finished making moves going into spring training.”

“I think it’s too early to say [there will be less movement than we hoped for].”

“The major free-agent market just wrapped up. There’s been a lot of activity [talking to other teams]. I expect that up to and into spring training.”

“The trade market will continue to be an active place well into February.”

It is a decently long interview, but it wasn’t that long. But Hoyer again and again went to this well, which I find very interesting, given how rare it is for major trades to go down in February and March.

To be sure, I don’t think this should get you on the edge of your seat for a major trade (especially not a major acquisition trade, given what we know about the Cubs’ plans to get under the luxury tax). But, like I said, I do think these comments are very much suggestive of a front office that very much believes more trade activity is legitimately possible – as in, the talks they are having must have them believing it.

Again, at this point in the offseason, after the delayed grievance and with free agency mostly settled, the Cubs could easily just try to excuse the lack of activity to this point rather than setting fans up with any expectations that there could still be movement. Like, this wasn’t just Hoyer saying, “oh, you never know” – he was shoving his foot into the door, repeatedly, to leave it cracked. I just find that very interesting for a front office that is historically very conservative with its messaging (well, outside of season-ending press conferences, I suppose).

Stay tuned?