Marcus Stroman has made it clear: “I love everything about being a Cub.”

The atmosphere at Wrigley Field is “electric.” Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and assistant pitching coach Daniel Moskos “know my cues” whenever the mechanics are out of alignment. The Cubs have long been known as a player-friendly organization with first-class amenities, a big support staff and a relaxed working environment. Above all, Stroman’s performance — a 2.39 ERA through 13 starts — speaks for itself.

That sets up the biggest decision for Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. After this season, Stroman can opt out of the final year of his three-year, $71 million contract, which looks like an obvious decision as long as he stays healthy. The Cubs cannot recoup a draft pick if Stroman signs with another team because he already received a qualifying offer. The Cubs cannot finesse losing a pitcher already worth 3.1 WAR (per Baseball-Reference) in the middle of the season.

“We just need to be consistent as a team and claw our way back to the race,” Hoyer said before Wednesday’s 7-4 loss at Angel Stadium. “It’s not that far a climb. We just need to play consistent baseball. My hope is that we do that.”

Hoyer also knows that hope is not a plan. The Cubs scored four runs off Tyler Anderson in the second inning, but the offense didn’t knock out the Angels starter early or pile on more runs later. Hayden Wesneski didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning, but he didn’t finish the fifth inning. Matt Mervis’ fielding error at first base contributed to two unearned runs, which negated his earlier two-run double. Watching Shohei Ohtani launch a home run and Mike Trout deliver a two-out, two-run single are reminders of the star power the Cubs do not have.

When do you have to decide whether you’re going to buy or sell at the trade deadline?