Chicago Cubs: How have team’s trade departures fared with new clubs?

Chicago Cubs: Athletics’ struggles certainly cannot be pinned on Andrew Chafin

Occuring just a couple days ahead of the deadline, the Cubs traded Andrew Chafin out to the Bay for a pair of interesting prospects. The move made sense for each team as the Cubs sold high on a rental in a lost season for a good return, and the Athletics looked to keep pace in the competitive AL playoff race by bolstering the back of their bullpen.

The move has paid off for Oakland, as the lefty went from dominant late-inning reliever in Chicago to dominant late-inning reliever in Oakland. Chafin has given up just two runs in his stint in Oakland, but unfortunately for them, the A’s have slid down the standings and now are a long shot to make the postseason.

On the year, the veteran left-hander has made a whopping 60 appearances, working to a 1.73 ERA, 2.73 FIP and 0.802 WHIP – establishing himself as one of the best relief arms in all of baseball. Even with Oakland’s limited financial resources, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Athletics look to pick up the lefty’s mutual option for 2022 – although for his part, Chafin would fetch far more in a return to the open market.