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Chicago Cubs: Bullpen could be strong with a guy like this
Lets be frank here: despite some measured success at times, the Cubs bullpen was erratic and inconsistent in 2019. With the departure of many established and expensive veterans, the Cubs will most likely have a younger and cheaper pen in 2020. If the Cubs are looking to spend a little money in one area, it could be the guys coming out of the little door in left field. Enter Ken Giles (pun intended).
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If the Blue Jays don’t feel like they’re set to be contenders for another year or two at this point, a closer that costs upwards of $8 million in his last year of team control might be a valuable asset to trade. If the Cubs feel so inclined, they could oblige and give the Jays a guy or two who might be able to help down the road. There’s also the possibility that Cubs could sweeten the return a bit to get the Jays to eat part of that $8.4 million price tag and make it a bit more palatable.
Again, a fair return for the closer would be a couple of mid-level prospects or maybe even one pretty good prospect, depending on how badly the Jays want to be rid of that salary in a year where it’ll still be tough for them to compete. They could also bank on the trade deadline ramping up interest for Giles, but then again- he might get hurt between now and then and bring them back zilch.
Giles appeared in 53 games last year and sported a 1.87 ERA with 23 saves, but did have a cortisone shot in early August. Sounds like a perfect candidate for the Cubs pen and another guy on the back end to close games if Craig Kimbrel or newly re-signed Brandon Morrow can’t. And remember, Giles is in his last year, so he’s going to want to pitch well to earn himself a richer new deal- the Cubs should find that appealing.