The Chicago Cubs are among some of the most aggressive teams looking for relief pitchers, according to one insider.
Based on conversations today, it seems as though the Red Sox, Nationals, Dodgers and Cubs are the most aggressive teams out there looking for bullpen help. The Braves are, too, though an outfielder currently appears to be Atlanta’s top priority.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2019
While the Cubs added Derek Holland last week, the team still needs more reliable arms. A couple of arms that have come up with some seriousness the past 24-hours have been, Joe Biagini, Ken Giles, and Shane Greene.
Joe Biagini
Biagini is a righty that has experienced some success in 2019. He’s striking out a hitter per inning pitched and has increased his K/9 from 6.6 to 9.0 this season. He does have some inflated stats as a function of pitching in the AL East daily.
The Blue Jays would ask for a decent haul as Biagini is under team control until 2023. He is an interesting option for the Cubs, but I personally don’t know if he fixes any issues the club currently has. He isn’t that prototypical late-inning, high-leverage guy. He doesn’t possess a large arm, and his fastball is only clocked around 94-MPH. For the haul. Maybe most importantly, he doesn’t throw the baseball with his left hand. I would pass if I were the Cubs.
Shane Greene
Greene seems to be an underrated get. The dude is dealing in 2019, owning a 1.22 ERA and 0.865 WHIP. He is currently striking out 10.0 per nine and isn’t allowing many free passes (1.2 per nine) which is something this pen needs.
Shane is the oldest of the lot, but he is still under contract until the 2021 season. He has a similar arsenal as Pedro Strop, FB, sinker, cutter, slider, and change and he maxes out at around 95-MPH. Again though, he isn’t a true late-inning type. He isn’t a guy that will dominantly shut the door in the eighth inning. He isn’t shortening a ballgame for a manager. He isn’t left-handed. He’s a very nice piece, and if the Detroit Tigers will let him go, affordably, then maybe he’s worth the flier. But I just think he adds a similar pitcher as the Cubs already have.
Ken Giles
Giles is the prize. Not only can he pitch in high-leverage situations (14 saves in 2019) he is young and controlled through the end of 2021. He is exactly what the Cubs need at the backend, a dude that straight deals, has a 98 MPH heater, and both his pitches (fastball and slider) are highly rated. In 35 IP, he’s only allowed 2 HR and a total of 6 runs. Oh, and he’s averaging 14.9 K/9.
YES, 14.9 K/9!!!
Here’s the thing though… Giles will absolutely cost a Major League player, and some folks won’t like it. We’re looking at someone like Ian Happ. The Blue Jays like Happ, and there was some mention of him being talked about in an earlier deal. Other familiar names that could be of interest, Albert Almora, Kyle Schwarber, Adbert Alzolay, among others.
Another note, Giles is still experiencing elbow inflammation, something that’s already landed him on the 10-day IL this year. It could diminish any return value, or it could cause the Jays to hold onto him until the offseason.
Ken Giles still dealing with elbow inflammation according to #BlueJays manager Charlie Montoyo.
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) July 30, 2019
While Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have had some questionable offseasons of late, their mid-season trades have always paid huge dividends. While cash should still be an issue in any deal, each of these options should be able to fit within budget – especially when dealing a player already on the roster.
The trade deadline is less than 48 hours away, expect something to happen soon.
