Cubs News: Familiar face returns to address bullpen woes with trade for Tyson Miller

The Chicago Cubs have made the much-discussed trade for bullpen help as the team acquired right-handed relief pitcher Tyson Miller from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Triple-A infielder Jake Slaughter.

Interestingly enough, Miller's Major League career began with the Cubs as he appeared in 2 games with the team during the 2020 season. Miller was drafted by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Cubs' prospect insider for Bleacher Nation, Byran Smith, highlighted the improvements that Miller has made since last being a part of the Cubs' organization.

Miller was finding success out of the Mariners' bullpen to begin the season. Miller has posted a 3.09 ERA through 9 appearances this season. Miller has shown an ability to miss bats this season with a strikeout percentage of 26.7%.

The Cubs take the first step in addressing bullpen woes with trade for Tyson Miller.

The Cubs had to do something in order to bring stability to their bullpen. With Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather on the IL, the Cubs were down to only Mark Leiter Jr. in terms of the only high-leverage reliever that could be trusted. Hector Neris' nickname of "Heart Attack Hector" speaks to the inconsistencies the veteran has had this season despite converting 6 of his 7 save opportunities.

A natural question that fans may have is why the Cubs would give up a power-hitting prospect in Slaughter for a reliever who was just designated for assignment. Before answering the question, it's important to distinguish that Miller was designated for assignment due to a crunch on the Mariners' 40-man roster and it's likely that he was generating interest from other teams. In addition, trading Slaughter, who was blocked at the Major League level, in order to address a need at the Major League level is exactly the type of move that the Cubs will need to make in order to remain at the top of the National League Central.