The Chicago Cubs completed a series win over the Milwaukee Brewers and are now tied for first place in the National League Central. The Cubs are 21-14 and seem likely to be buyers rather than sellers at the deadline. While discussing the Cubs' series-clinching win, REKAP, ESPN 1000’s David Kaplan suggested that the Cubs might be trying to make a deal for a reliever with the Miami Marlins.
. He mentioned, “It’s Jed Hoyer's job to make a move and get some bullpen help. And I’ve heard from a source that the Cubs and Marlins could – could – be working on a deal for a reliever.”
Even though the season is far from over, the Cubs' series win could be crucial. It also highlighted the areas of the team that need attention at the trade deadline.
Kaplan’s report is not definite proof of a trade, but he seems to have a source telling him that a deal could be in progress.
The Cubs Require Bullpen Assistance
The Cubs lost the first game of the weekend series, but it wasn't because of the starting pitching. The Brewers didn't have to face Shōta Imanaga and Justin Steele, yet they couldn't score any runs against the Cubs' starters.
“Javier Assad has pitched 6 scoreless innings. Assuming he’s finished for the day, the Brewers only got 3 hits out of 25 with runners on base against Cubs' starters over 19.1 scoreless innings in the series,” wrote The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Curt Hogg on X.
All eight runs scored by the Brewers in the series were given up by the Cubs' bullpen. The Cubs' bullpen has the seventh-worst ERA in the majors. They have allowed 66 walks, which is the fourth-highest among all bullpens. Kaplan thinks the Cubs should have won all the games against the Brewers. The bullpen's weaknesses were very obvious. With Steele and Kyle Hendricks returning soon, the Cubs could move Hayden Wesneski or Ben Brown to the bullpen. Steele made a successful start with Triple-A Iowa on May 1. He pitched 3 1/3 innings with “no problems,” as reported by MLB.com
“Steele is scheduled to be activated from the IL and start for the Cubs on May 6 against the Padres, manager Craig Counsell announced on May 3. The lefty has a bullpen session to complete on May 4 ahead of his return to Chicago’s rotation,” wrote MLB.com Marlins Ready for Business.
The Marlins have already indicated their intentions for the trade deadline. Despite it being a while away, the
Marlins traded two-time All-Star and batting champion
Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix signified the club’s thought process when asked about trading away a proven player for players with the potential to succeed. According to the Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson.
“It’s part of the value of the player for the rest of the season when unfortunately our record is what it is and the fact is that we’re unlikely to make the playoffs this year,” said Bendix,
. “Trading that for future value seems like the right thing for this organization right now.” Kaplan suggested that the Marlins are selling and recommended that the Cubs should trade for their closer because the Cubs have a strong group of young players.Tanner Scott is the closer for the Marlins. He has a 2.77 ERA in 13.0 innings pitched and has been successful in saving games, although opportunities have been limited due to the Marlins' current situation. Last year, he had a 2.31 ERA and saved 12 out of 16 opportunities.
David Kaplan mentioned that the Chicago Cubs bullpen needs assistance and hinted that the team might be in talks to acquire a reliever from the Marlins.
The Marlins closer is Tanner Scott. He has a 2.77 ERA in 13.0 innings pitched. He has converted on four out of five of his save opportunities. With the Marlins’ current state, save opportunities have been rare. He converted on 12 of 16 opportunities in 2023 with a 2.31 ERA.
