How about this fun update?! The Chicago Cubs, to no one’s surprise, are looking for some bullpen help and have specifically been targeting left-handed relievers. The newest trade target is the beloved Andrew Chafin.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs are among several teams that are a potential fit to trade for the veteran lefty. The Cubs might be battling one of their division rivals for Chafin, as the Milwaukee Brewers are in the mix as well.
I have to say, it’s mainly surprising that Chafin is all of sudden available because the Arizona Diamondbacks are only 3.5 games back of first place in the NL West and they’re currently tied with the Brewers and Miami Marlins for the third Wild Card spot in the National League. Plus, Arizona probably needs some relief help of their own.
Chafin, 33, has taken a step back in Arizona this year. He has a 4.19 ERA in 43 appearances. He’s recorded 8 saves, but he’s also blown 4 others. However, he has a good track record and the Cubs are familiar with his pitching profile. The Cubs first acquired Chafin back in 2020 from the Diamondbacks and in 2021, the lefty was fantastic. In 43 games, Chafin had a 2.06 ERA with the Cubs before he was traded to the Oakland A’s. He was even better out there, posting a 1.53 ERA in 29.1 innings with Oakland.
In 2022, Chafin pitched for the Tigers and was good again, 2.83 ERA in 64 appearances.
The Diamondbacks signed Chafin this past offseason for $6.25 million. The one-year guaranteed deal also includes a club option for the 2024 season worth $7.25 million.
Chafin actually began the season fairly well with the Diamondbacks. He had a 2.89 ERA through June. In his first 28 innings of the season, the lefty struck out 41 batters. However, the month of July was brutal. Chafin made eight relief appearances and he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and six walks.
Another interesting part of Chafin’s 2023 season is that he’s mostly just struggled in Arizona. He has a 6.23 ERA in 22 games at home compared to a 2.12 ERA in 21 road games. Also, despite being a left-handed pitcher, Chafin has actually been better against right-handed batters this season, holding them to a .637 OPS compared to an .848 OPS against lefties. Yet, throughout his entire career, Chafin has been split neutral.
Great