Key Takeaways:
– The Chicago Cubs clinched a significant series win over Milwaukee Brewers ringing changes at the trading deadline.
– Rumors point towards the Cubs’ probable deal with Miami Marlins for securing a relief pitcher.
– The Cubs have been struggling with bullpen flaws, causing series losses.
– The Marlins have been actively trading players signaling clear selling intentions.
– Marlins’ star closer, Tanner Scott, is the player the Chicago Cubs should be eyeing.
Boosting Bullpen: Chicago Cubs Eyeing Trade for Marlins’ Relief Pitcher
The Chicago Cubs’ recent triumph over Milwaukee Brewers has put them in prime position in the National League Central. With a healthy 21-14 standing, all indications point towards the Cubs being the buyers at the impending trade deadline, seeking to bolster the weak links of their team.
ESPN 1000’s David Kaplan, during his sports show REKAP, offered some exciting insights indicating a likely deal between the Cubs and Miami Marlins. He cited unnamed sources suggesting that the two teams might be collaborating on a transfer for a relief pitcher.
Security in The Bullpen: A Priority for Cubs
Although the season is still unfolding, the Cubs’ conclusive win over the Brewers sets the tone for the decisive deals to be made at the trading deadline. It has also reinforced areas where improvements are an urgency.
Despite losing the first game of their recent weekend series, the Cubs’ starting pitchers were no way inept. The Brewers could hardly make a dent against them. However, the Cubs’ bullpen relinquished all eight runs gained by the Brewers during the series, highlighting why the Bullpen needs improvement.
Baseball analyst Curt Hogg of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel penned the Brewers’ struggle against the Cubs’ starters, quoting, “the Brewers went three for 25 with runners on base against Cubs starters over 19.1 scoreless innings.” But the team’s flaws came into the spotlight as the Cubs’ bullpen is tied for the seventh-worst ERA in the majors, and their 66 walks allowed rank fourth-most of any bullpen.
Possible Remedies for The Cubs
Kaplan opined that the Cubs “should have swept” against the Brewers and that the bullpen flaws hurt the team’s performance. However, there seems to be a solution on the horizon. The return of Kyle Hendricks and Justin Steele, combined with the likely relocation of Hayden Wesneski or Ben Brown to the bullpen to further strengthen it, could bring balance.
Trade Trend at The Marlins
Peter Bendix, Marlins’ president of baseball operations, confirmed the Marlins are open for business. They set the stage by trading two-time All-Star Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres, making it clear they’re looking to part ways with proven players for future prospects.
Kaplan urged Cubs to capitalize on the Marlins’ current phase, suggesting, “The Marlins are already in sell mode having traded Luis Arraez for prospects. The Cubs have a loaded farm system. Go get their closer.”
With a 2.77 ERA amassed over 13.0 innings pitched, Tanner Scott, the Marlins’ closer, looks like an attractive solution to the Cubs’ bullpen problem. Despite seldom getting a chance to save due to the Marlins’ current form, he has managed to convert on four out of five opportunities this season, following up from his 12 out of 16 opportunities success rate in 2023.
If the rumored reliever trade materializes, it could reportedly bring transformative changes to the Cubs’ team structure, significantly boosting their bullpen and solidifying their position in the National League Central.