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Chicago Cubs Rumors: Breaking down the top moves of the trade deadline
By Ryan Tadych
Filling the two remaining holes on the roster
On paper, it may not seem like the Cubs needed another reliever. Their bullpen has been pretty solid, not allowing a run in the series against the Brewers. However, Chicago could lose three members of their bullpen in the offseason. Wade Davis, Koji Uehara and Brian Duensing are all free agents at season’s end.
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In Wilson, 29, the Cubs acquire a lefty who is under control through the 2018 season. He is arbitration-eligible and likely won’t cost much. This season, he is 3-2 with a sparkling 2.68 ERA in 42 appearances.
But there’s more than just that to like about Wilson. To begin, Wilson has been the Tigers closer, which gives the Cubs an option for 2018 should Davis not return. Despite being a lefty, Wilson can get both lefties and righties out. His .131/.232/.303 slash-line against righties indicates he’s a reverse split type of pitcher. Lefties have fared only slight better at a .220/.267/.366 line.
Quality no matter how you slice it
Either way, he is good at getting hitters out and is sporting 12.3 K/9, the highest of his career. His WAR is 1.4 already this season, which is solid for a reliever. Wilson will help take some of the pressure of Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop, who both are on pace for nearly 80 appearances. Maddon doesn’t like defined roles in the bullpen but a Wilson-Edwards-Davis late inning combination is pretty lethal.
In Avila (30), the Cubs get a veteran backstop to help take the workload off Willson Contreras. Avila, having a bounceback year at the plate, is slashing .271/.392/.472 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI. However, he was brought in for his veteran presence and team leadership. Avila can help mentor Contreras and help give him a breather for the stretch run. Long lauded as a great clubhouse guy, the former All-Star will take on the role that Montero was unable to fill.