After the acquisition of Jose Quintana, many believe Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs front office aren’t done dealing yet.
The Cubs would still like to add a backup veteran catcher and maybe a piece to their bullpen. But could they do something similar to what they did in 2016 when they landed Aroldis Chapman?
It’s possible and that guy is Zach Britton.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, an industry source believes the Cubs are in play to land the best reliever available.
Industry source thinks Cubs will trade for Britton. “If you have a chance to add Britton to your club, you do it. Theo has the minor-lgrs."
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 17, 2017
Wow.
The Cubs bullpen, aside from Wade Davis and Carl Edwards Jr. , has struggled this season. Adding a guy like Britton would be a big boost as a setup man behind Davis.
Britton has a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings pitched this season, allowing 18 hits and 3 earned runs. He’s been bothered by injuries which have slowed down his production.
In 2016, Britton was the best reliever in all of baseball allowing just 4 earned runs in 67 innings pitched.
The Orioles will likely be sellers at the deadline and Britton is a candidate to be moved. It’s going to cost the Cubs some prospects but as the tweet notes, the Cubs have the minor leaguers to do so.
After trading Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease, the Cubs new No. 1 prospect is infielder Jeimer Candelario who has already seen action at the big league level. It would take a package of prospects, including possibly Victor Caratini who doesn’t really have a spot at the big league level with the emergence of Willson Contreras. That’s especially the case if the Cubs do go add a veteran catcher.
The Cubs aren’t the only team interested in Britton with the Los Angeles Dodgers showing the most interest as of late. The Dodgers have an NL-best record of 64-29 and are in a position to win it all and add more to their bullpen that already features Kenley Jansen.
Will Theo make another blockbuster move? Stay tuned.
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