Chicago Cubs: Evaluating recent trades and how the Cubs fared

Catcher of the future?

At the trade deadline of 2014, the Cubs pulled off a trade that could go into the books as one of the best trades.

The Cubs sent Emilio Bonifacio and James Russell to the Braves for Victor Caratini. This is another trade that seems like a no brainer for the Cubs. Bonifacio, 32, had a great year with the Cubs, slashing .278/.318/.373 in 69 games with 12 steals. But the Cubs were rebuilding, and he never got back to form after leaving the Cubs. A career .256 hitter, Bonifacio never hit higher than .211 since leaving the Cubs.

Russell, 31, spent his entire career with the Cubs before being traded to Atlanta. He was mostly successful and had success with the Braves too (2.22 ERA in 22 games). His career 4.03 ERA with the Cubs was solid. Russell only pitched four innings with the Phillies last year and was not good. He has not pitched in the big leagues this year.

Caratini, 23, got his first cup of coffee with the Cubs this season. The Cubs top catching prospect and one of their top prospects in the entire organization. Caratini still needs to refine his defensive catching abilities but has a lot of pop in his bat and could be a good battery mate with Contreras for years to come.

Next: Bullpen has been mostly reliable

Verdict: CUBS

This trade and the Strop-Arrieta for Feldman and Clevenger could go down as the best trades in Cubs history.

That’s a quick look at some of the Cubs recent trades. As you can see, they have fared pretty well over the years and hopefully some of the recent trades they just made this season will be wins for the Cubs as well.