Chicago Cubs: AL teams with intriguing trade assets

Minnesota Twins

ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported that interest in the Minnesota Twins assets has increased since the dismissal of GM Terry Ryan. Bringing in a new GM ultimately signifies a change direction, so it’s safe to assume that the Twins are in the market for prospects, something the Cubs have plenty of. Fernando Abad is a player that immediately comes to mind when thinking of who the Cubs could trade for.

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Abad has struggled against NL teams, averaging a 4.65 ERA, but averages a 2.87 ERA against the AL, making him a valuable piece of a World Series bullpen. This season, Abad has a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings with 27 strikeouts. He’s only given up 2 home runs as well, making his services very lucrative for a Cubs pitching staff that has been plagued by the long ball recently. Theoretically, the Cubs could stash Abad in the minors until the postseason to make room for another player that would immediately impact the club in the regular season.