Cubs trade for former Brewers draft pick stuck in limbo with Dodgers

While Jed Hoyer has stressed the focus for the Chicago Cubs shouldn't be on the MLB trade deadline, he's also aware of the reality that is the organization running out of pitching depth. It's why Hoyer will continue to seek minor moves where he can find them, including striking a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday for a former Milwaukee Brewers draft pick.

Former Cubs beat writer, now covering the Dodgers, Maddie Lee reports that the Dodgers have traded left-handed relief pitcher Antoine Kelly to the Cubs.

The move represents a reunion of sorts for Craig Counsell, considering Kelly was originally selected by the Brewers in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Before he could reached the Double-A level in Milwaukee's organization, he was traded to the Texas Rangers at the 2022 MLB trade deadline in deal that also included veterans Mark Mathias and Matt Bush.

Cubs throw another dart at the wall for ailing pitching staff

Kelly was with the Rangers' organization through the start of the 2024 season, finishing the year with the Colorado Rockies and spending last year with the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate.

Given that the Dodger seemingly go through an endless stream of bullpen arms before getting their pitching staff healthy in October, it made sense that Kelly would have chose LA as the organization to play for this season. Despite the injuries the Dodgers have had to their pitching staff, Kelly was stuck at the Triple-A level, posting an ERA of 5.14 through 23 games.

Kelly has yet to reach the majors, but given the injuries the Cubs have navigated through this season, it would seem that there could be an opportunity for the former Brewers prospect in the weeks of ahead to join the Cubs' major league roster.

Throughout his time in the minors, Kelly has posted some impressive swing-and-miss numbers. That is the very thing the Cubs' pitching staff has lacked as a whole, though it's hard to imagine the 26-year-old being the clear answer for that.

If nothing else, it's another sign that the Cubs are in a mindset where they are going to add pitching depth when they can. That doesn't mean that the team will go out and trade for Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta anytime soon, but a pitcher with familiarity to Counsell, best believe that is a flier that is going to be taken every time.

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