Chicago Cubs: Trade grades for a surprisingly quiet deadline

Cubs flip David Robertson for a young arm rapidly on the rise

Another one of the veteran relievers the Cubs signed in the offseason, David Robertson proved to be the biggest return on investment, seizing the closer role and being mostly effective this year. Robertson finished his time in Chicago with a 2.23 ERA, an 11.9 K/9 and 14 saves in 19 opportunities.

This led to Robertson being one of the most sought-after relievers on the market, and the return showed as much, with the Phillies sending right-handed starter Ben Brown back in the deal. Brown, who was the seventh-ranked prospect in the Phillies’ system, had apparently been on the Cubs’ radar for months, and it’s easy to see why.

Brown has absolutely exploded this season, consistently sitting 95-97 with a vicious slider and curveball to boot, giving him one of the most exciting repertoires in the system. Brown already had Tommy John surgery earlier in his career so there should be little risk there, and he’s only been getting better and better. Over his last ten starts in Single-A with the Phillies, Brown had an ERA of 2.55 over 53 innings with an astounding 83 strikeouts to 10 walks.

That stretch earned him a promotion to Double-A and Minor League Co-Pitcher of the Month honors before he was traded. His first career Double-A start came with the Cubs and he didn’t miss a beat, striking out nine batters and allowing just one run on four hits and two walks over five innings and 75 pitches. Brown is yet another encouraging arm the Cubs have added within the last year and could be a key piece in a pitching revolution that could be coming to Chicago.

Grade: A+