5 Chicago Cubs MLB trade deadline chips whose value is plummeting

Chicago Cubs trade chips whose trade value is plummeting: #2 – Ryan Tepera

For the first couple months of the season, it was the Ryan Tepera show on the North Side. The 33-year-old reliever was a go-to arm in the bullpen of David Ross and he answered the call no matter the situation.

Really, it was the month of May that put Tepera on the map as a potential trade chip for Chicago. He won NL Reliever of the Month honors, thanks to a sterling 0.61 ERA in 14 appearances – during which he put up an unbelievable 0.205 WHIP. Everyone was talking about the resurgence of Craig Kimbrel, but watching Tepera in May, it actually made me think he could be a short-term successor should Kimbrel be traded.

But since the calendar turned to June, Tepera hasn’t been the same guy and Ross has gone to him sparingly – to disastrous results. Last month, he was a disaster before the Cubs put him on the injured list. If for nothing else, that move got the guy some much-needed rest.

We can hope that what we’ve seen in very limited July action (two appearances, three Ks, 1 2/3 innings of work) is a sign of resurgence from the righty because, whether or not Chicago winds up moving him, he’s got a chance to bring value to this team down the stretch this season.

I’d say it’s far likelier Chicago holds onto Tepera right now given the IL stint and lack of work lately, instead trading guys like Kimbrel and left-hander Andrew Chafin.