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

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.

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.