The Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers have been in discussion about a trade for weeks now. First it was starter Justin Verlander and catcher Alex Avila who the Cubs were reportedly interested in.
But after the Verlander price was too high, Chicago focused their attention on Avila and reliever Justin Wilson.
On Sunday night, Theo Epstein made yet another move to help the Cubs and their quest to go back-to-back.
MLB Insider Jon Heyman first reported that the Cubs were close to landing Wilson Sunday night:
sources: cubs are close to a deal to get justin wilson
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2017
Then hours later, the deal went through as the Cubs acquired Wilson and Avila in exchange for infielder Jeimer Candelario, shortstop Isaac Paredes and either a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The deal would be Justin Wilson and Alex Avila for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and a Player To Be Named Later or cash, I'm told.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) July 31, 2017
#Cubs, #Tigers trade is complete. Medical review is done. Officially official. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
Candelario has had a few callups for the Cubs the last two seasons but really has no spot on a loaded big league roster.
The 18-year-old Paredes was having a breakout season for South Bend and was a Cubs signing out of Mexico.
He was climbing the Cubs prospect list and could have moved around in the infield. But with the mindset being win now, Chicago can take that gamble and trade away the prospect.
The move now gives the Cubs a solid backup catcher in Avila to help backup Contreras. Avila is a good defensive catcher and can provide some value off the bench as a hitter.
Wilson is the big piece.
The 29-year-old lefty will be a nice option in the bullpen to come in and face a big left handed batter when needed. In 42 appearances, he has a 2.68 ERA and a WHIP of 0.942.
Bullpen help was certainly needed and adding Wilson to the pen gives the Cubs some help in the backend of games.
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