Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team expressing interest in Andrew Chafin

With the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline hours away, the Chicago Cubs appear to be focused on correcting mistakes this past off-season.

The first correction that was made by the Cubs' front office was their trade for Washington Nationals' third baseman Jeimer Candelario on Monday.

Candelario was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers last winter and despite the need at third base, the Cubs were never believed to be in the market for their former prospect in the off-season.

Another former Cubs player that the front office targeted was left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Chafin but the team prioritized Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger. Chafin, meanwhile, signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks but the two teams may have a deja vu moment.

The Cubs originally acquired Chafin in the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline deal with the Diamondbacks. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, a similar trade may occur this season.

The Cubs traded Chafin to the Oakland Athletics at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline and interestingly enough, one of the players the Cubs received in the deal, Daniel Palencia, is now a part of their Major League bullpen.

This season with the Diamondbacks, Chafin has posted a 4.19 ERA in 43 appearances. Chafin appears to have been the victim of bad luck this season as he has an FIP of 3.13 and a .350 BABIP. Chafin has predominantly been a ground ball pitcher over the course of his career and that would translate well with the Cubs' current defensive structure.

As the Cubs look for a late-inning left-handed relief pitcher to add to their bullpen, there is no doubt that Chafin would be on the cheaper end. The Cubs have also been linked to Brooks Raley of the New York Mets but that may cost more in terms of prospects considering Raley has a 2024 club option.

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