Chicago Cubs Rumors: A trade with the Tigers in the works?

The Chicago Cubs were active during the winter meetings, but that’s not always the end of things. Conversations can start there and last into Spring Training before a deal gets done. Could something be brewing with the Detroit Tigers?

The Chicago Cubs didn’t walk away from the winter meetings without making some noise. The trade of Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals for Wade Davis had people talking. The Cubs also signed Koji Uehara, as they clearly identified the bullpen as a key point of interest this winter. But it’s possible the Cubs might not be finished.

MLB Insider Jon Morosi revealed the Cubs and Tigers had previous discussions about a trade for Justin Wilson, the 29-year-old left-handed reliever. Wilson made 66 appearances out of the Tigers pen in 2016. He posted a 4.14 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings. He was 4-5 for the Tigers but has been a strong reliever in a bullpen that was less than stellar at times.

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Wilson came from the New York Yankees last offseason. But prior to that, he had been a reliever with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He came over in the trade for Francisco Cervelli in November of 2014. Wilson had a solid 2013 for the Pirates, posting a 6-1 record in relief with a 2.08 ERA. He’s a hard-throwing lefty whose fastball tops off in the upper 90’s. In a crowded Tigers bullpen, they could decide to move him, but by no means have to.

Cubs won’t part with key players

Wilson has upside, but it’s unlikely the Cubs would give up any big pieces to acquire him. Fans on Twitter are calling for Javier Baez or Ian Happ–or there’s no deal. I didn’t realize the Tigers front office had so many members on Twitter. The Cubs aren’t going to give up Baez. And it will take a much bigger haul for the Cubs to deal Happ (No offense, Wilson).

As Morosi mentioned, it’s unclear if there was any momentum in the talks following the meetings. It’s possible that nothing will come of the discussions before the season starts, but the two could revisit it at the trade deadline.

Next: Szczur or La Stella on Opening Day?

What is clear is the Cubs feel their bullpen is the number one priority heading into 2017. One thing we’ve learned as fans is you can never have enough arms in the bullpen–or in your system. Joe Maddon seemed to have the utmost trust in his pen to start the season. But that seemed to fade over time, and in the playoffs, they were a one man show with Aroldis Chapman. The Cubs have the chance to learn from their mistakes, which still ended in a World Series victory.