Cubs' ambitious bullpen upgrade plans hit a snag thanks to Orioles' injury

If you're a team like the Chicago Cubs looking for back-end bullpen reinforcements ahead of next week's trade deadline, the price tag just went up.

The Baltimore Orioles placed right-handed closer Felix Bautista on the 15-day injured list with what's being labelled 'right shoulder discomfort'. Given the O's enter Thursday 44-57 and 9 1/2 out of a wild-card spot in the American League, many speculated the 30-year-old could be on the move, but this IL stint almost guarantees he won't be traded.

After missing the 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery, Bautista has picked up right where he left off before the injury, punching out 13 batters per nine and working to a 2.60 ERA in 35 appearances. His control isn't dialed in quite to what it was when he was an All-Star for Baltimore in 2023, but he's been a very effective late-inning weapon regardless.

It was by no means a sure thing that Bautista would be traded, even if healthy, as the Orioles have no plans of tearing it all down amidst a campaign that can only be labeled a major disappointment. GM Mike Elias is more focused on trading any rentals or players nearing the end of their respective contracts - so it would have taken an offer that blew the Orioles' brass away to pry away Bautista.

Felix Bautista injury could impact Cubs' search for relief help

So what does this all mean for the Cubs? If they want to come away with an Emmanuel Clase, David Bednar or Jhoan Duran, they'll face increased competition with an alternative option off the board with just one week until the trade deadline.

Chicago's bullpen has been a major strength this year, but there have been some cracks in the armor recently, and I'd be surprised if Jed Hoyer didn't do anything to shore up the team's relief depth between now and next Thursday. Bautista was a logical fit in the sense that he's a high-performing reliever with team control, but he always felt like a long-shot acquisition, at best.

And the injury itself serves as a reminder: even under the best conditions, the rumor mill can be chaotic this time of year - but injuries and day-to-day performance can turn the whole thing on its head and re-write the equation front offices are looking to solve as they look for the missing pieces their teams need to make a run in October.