Chicago Cubs Rumors: Trevor Rosenthal is on the trade block

The Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals’ may be discussing Trevor Rosenthal–but Theo Epstein may not like the price.

The Chicago Cubs may have a liking for the Kansas City Royals’ Trevor Rosenthal. He has been durable for the Royals after Tommy John surgery. But Theo Epstein doesn’t feel like that’s in the cards–or that’s what he’s making you think.

Last year was his first year back from TJ surgery–and it was awful. He spent it with Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers and didn’t have much luck. He pitched 15 1/3 innings, posting a 13.50 ERA, allowing 23 earned runs while walking 26.  He surrendered a WHIP of 2.413 and an ERA+ of 36. Not that good, at all.

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Now, he’s allowed a WHIP of 0.87 and his ERA+? 546. This year he’s allowed 14 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings. Usually, control is the last thing that comes back to you–and it did. The fastball averaged 98 mph and sat at 100.4 mph at it’s prime. Currently, they’re percentage points ahead of the Tigers for last place–but they’re tied at 5 1/2 games.

But Epstein was concerned about money. He told Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times might be more ‘complementary.’ Meaning they might have some internal options. The point is, COVID-19 took a big hit on teams. Short-term or re-signing players may not be an option for the Cubs. Epstein knows this.

Rosenthal is 30 and is a rental on a low-cost deal. Whoever takes the ‘bait’ will be happy with him–I’m just not sure they will be the team. The way I see it, the Tampa Bay Rays would be the team I would expect. The Rays don’t have the finances so that Rosenthal would be ideal. But then again, the Rays have had some outstanding seasons. So who knows. Maybe they can beat the New York Yankees?