Chicago Cubs: Best deadline trades during the Theo Epstein regime

(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
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Chicago Cubs
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Cubs capitalize on Bonifacio

In 2014, the Cubs signed Emilio Bonifacio hoping he could hold things together during the rebuild. And then he became part of it. After having a solid first half, the Cubs packaged him up with reliever James Russell and sent them to Atlanta. In return, they got a young catcher by the name of Victor Caratini.

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Caratini just recently made his debut and hit a game-winning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. The move might be short lived as with the addition of Alex Avila, Caratini might quiet down to Triple-A Iowa. But he’s gained some valuable experience in his time in Chicago, and we may see him again soon when the Cubs make their September call-ups.

The Cubs saw the writing on the wall with Russell and chose to part ways with him. He would return to the Cubs in 2015 for 49 games (0-2, 5.29 ERA), but that would be it for his time in Chicago. Russell last pitched for the Phillies in 2016.

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