Cubs Rumors: Is it finally time to trade for Tony Watson?

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Cubs Rumors: They have had plenty of flirtations with left-handed reliever Tony Watson throughout the last few years.

The Chicago Cubs have had his name on their radar for quite some time. Tony Watson–a member of the San Francisco Giants–had been a name that was thrown around in 2017 and was also discussed as a potential target this past winter.

The 34-year-old has a 2.71 ERA in his eight-plus years in the league and has a proven track record of success in the National League Central after making the NL All-Star team with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are in desperate need of an impact lefty at the back-end of their bullpen. Kyle Ryan has been serviceable, but manager Joe Maddon likes to deploy him in platoon situations. Randy Rosario is only just returning from Triple-A, and Mike Montgomery has struggled to find his groove this season.

Craig Kimbrel‘s arrival has allowed Pedro Strop to return to a setup role, and the Cubs are still hoping that Brandon Morrow will be available in the near future. But the team still lacks a left-handed arm that can come in and get crucial outs against some of the most dangerous hitters in the game.

Last month, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported that the Cubs are still showing interest in Watson.

At the very least, Chicago should make inquiries on his availability.

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Cubs Rumors: Less costly than Will Smith

Watson is hardly the only Giants reliever that is likely to be on the move before the July 31 deadline.

Teams around the league are salivating at the opportunity to land All-Star closer Will Smith, who has posted a 1.98 ERA and career-high 13.1 K/9 in 36 1/3 innings of work this season. Smith is also a perfect 23-for-23 in save opportunities, proving to be one of the best relievers in all of baseball.

While Smith will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the Giants are likely to attach a high asking price to his name because of the premium that is placed on closing pitchers at the trade deadline. Look no further than the Cubs trading Gleyber Torres in order to land Aroldis Chapman for half a season in 2016.

On the other hand, the Giants might be more amenable to a lesser package for Watson. San Francisco would probably prefer to acquire assets for Watson now rather than risk either losing him in free agency or having him accept his $2.5 million option for next season.

So even though Smith would be the ideal get for the Cubs, Watson is the likelier option.

Cubs Rumors: The Cole Hamels model

Watson has posted a 3.38 ERA in 34 2/3 innings this season, but the advanced metrics are ugly. He is currently running a 4.47 FIP while posting career highs in hits and homers per nine (9.3 and 1.6, respectively).

And yet, Cole Hamels is the perfect example of what can happen to players that are traded from a non-contending team to a club in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Even Watson himself has been privy to this kind of move. After starting the 2017 season with the Pirates, Watson was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he posted a 2.70 ERA in 24 regular-season appearances. Watson was also the Dodgers’ best reliever in those playoffs and was credited with a win in two of Los Angeles’ three victories in the World Series.

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Watson has only been a member of three playoff teams. At 34 years old, his time is running low. A move to Chicago might make Watson the solution to Chicago’s left-handed problem in the bullpen.

Home / Chicago Cubs Rumors

Cubs Rumors: They have had plenty of flirtations with left-handed reliever Tony Watson throughout the last few years.

Cubs Rumors: Less costly than Will Smith

Cubs Rumors: The Cole Hamels model

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