Cubs Rumors: The D-Backs' Andrew Chafin a lefty possibility

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Cubs Rumors: We are exactly two weeks away from the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline, and the Chicago Cubs find themselves chasing several potential needs.

The Chicago Cubs have not gotten the kind of production that they were hoping for from the likes of Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora and Addison Russell. And David Bote has also had a rough going in the last couple of months. Because of these underwhelming performances, there is a feeling that the Cubs should go after a “professional” hitter on the market.

However, that market is not exactly flooded with reliable options. The Kansas City Royals have made it clear that they will not trade Whit Merrifield or Alex Gordon. And the Arizona Diamondbacks may be hesitant to relinquish David Peralta.

Nicholas Castellanos and Domingo Santana might be interesting options at the dish, but they are both atrocious defenders. Finally, as intriguing as his first half was in Toronto, there is a reason to suggest that Eric Sogard has benefitted from a good deal of luck (subscription required). So, what gives?

While added production in the lineup would be nice, the Cubs are only just beginning to see what Robel Garcia has to offer. Ben Zobrist’s potential return could provide an extra boost down the stretch.

Adding bullpen depth is more of a necessity. Chicago has just one reliable left-hander (Kyle Ryan), and Brad Brach has not been a quality addition to the group.

Although the Diamondbacks might be reluctant to give up Peralta, the Cubs might still look to do business with them in order to acquire Andrew Chafin.

Cubs Rumors: Acquiring a power lefty

The Cubs have not had a hard-throwing, imposing left-hander in the bullpen since Aroldis Chapman was closing out games in 2016. Chafin could be that guy.

In three of his last four seasons with the Diamondbacks, Chafin has posted at least a 10.69 K/9 rate, and he has cut his BB/9 rate from 4.56 last year to 2.94 this season.

Chafin has made 47 appearances for Arizona this season, posting a 3.21 ERA and 3.06 FIP in 33 2/3 innings of work. He has an equally impressive 3.31 xFIP and 3.40 SIERA, according to FanGraphs, and boasts a career ground ball rate of over 50 percent.

He has a fastball-sinker combo that routinely touches the mid-90s and a wipeout slider that he can throw in almost any count. Chafin seems like the perfect “power pitcher” to pair alongside guys like Pedro Strop and Craig Kimbrel in Chicago’s bullpen.

According to MLB Statcast, Chafin has an increased spin rate with all three of his pitches and is registering higher whiff percentages as a result.

While guys like Ryan and Brandon Kintzler have been adept at coming in and getting big outs, they are not strikeout threats like Chafin. Given his ability to move the slider around the zone and get soft contact on the ground, plus the punch-outs? Chafin seems like the right guy to compliment the rest of the arms in the bullpen.

Perhaps most importantly, Chafin dominates lefties. Opposing hitters from the same side of the dish are hitting just .213 with a .560 OPS against Chafin, and the Cubs need a guy that can neutralize left-handed hitters in the later innings.

(Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Cubs Rumors: Cost-effective arm

For a team that has repeatedly stressed the (apparent) reality of budgetary issues, Chafin would be a relatively cheap acquisition. He is making below $2 million this year, and still has another year of arbitration in 2020.

Cubs Rumors: The D-Backs’ Andrew Chafin a lefty possibility

Cubs Rumors: We are exactly two weeks away from the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline, and the Chicago Cubs find themselves chasing several potential needs.

Cubs Rumors: Acquiring a power lefty

Cubs Rumors: Cost-effective arm

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