Chicago Cubs acquire Tommy La Stella from Braves for Arodys Vizcaino

The Chicago Cubs acquired Atlanta Braves second baseman Tommy La Stella in exchange for pitcher Arodys Vizcaino. Vizcaino came to the Cubs from Atlanta in the Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm trade.

La Stella spent time between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett last season. He batted .251 with an on-base percentage of .328 in 93 games with Atlanta. According to Ken Rosenthal, La Stella has been on the Cubs radar for a while.

Vizcaino was slow to recover from Tommy John surgery since being acquired from Atlanta, but had made strides this season in staying healthy, and consistency in his velocity. The Cubs also get the Braves number four international signing bonus slot.

Considering the Cubs are very deep in the middle infield, and appeared to be looking to bolster their pitching, this move will indeed raise some eyebrows, as well as questions. Is it possible this move is a precursor to something on the horizon? Rumors have swirled that teams are interested in Castro. He’s signed to a very team friendly deal, but that deal also makes him an intriguing in trade.

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