The Chicago Cubs might be looking more intently at the starting pitching market this trade deadline, as Yu Darvish isn’t expected back until maybe the end of July if his latest rehab process doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
With that being said, they’re already out taking a closer look at potential trade targets and Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports the Cubs were one of four teams that sent out scouts to watch Tampa Bay Rays starter Nathan Eovaldi Monday night.
Via MLB.com.
Count Nathan Eovaldi on several teams’ wish list. The right-hander started for the Rays Monday night and pitched in front of scouts or representatives from the Cubs, Phillies, Red Sox and Braves. All are contending teams hoping to fill a void they’ve identified.
The Rays have played well of late, which suggests they should try to keep the band together. Unfortunately, they are way behind in the American League Wild Card race, and even farther behind in the American League East.
Thus, Tampa Bay’s prudent move in the weeks leading to Major League Baseball’s July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline would be to get what they can from other teams in exchange for valuable pieces, such as Eovaldi, who becomes a free agent after the season.
Eovaldi, 28, has a 3.92 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in seven starts this season with the Rays. He’s been around since 2011, when he made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and he could be the classic low-risk, high reward acquisition.
The right-hander didn’t pitch until May 30, after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. Prior to signing with the Rays, Eovaldi pitched for the New York Yankees, but unfortunately he had Tommy John surgery in August 2016. That was his second Tommy John surgery, the first coming when he was in high school.
So, it’s his first season back since his second Tommy John surgery and he’s been pretty damn good. However, Eovaldi’s biggest problem is giving up home runs. Despite the great 0.92 WHIP, he’s allowed nine homers in 41.1 innings.
Trading for him wouldn’t cost the Cubs much, as Eovaldi becomes a free agent after this season, but he obviously isn’t a sure-thing either. The injury history and high home run total makes him a gamble, however, the risk is low and his potential could really help out the pitching staff.
His best season based off traditional numbers came in 2013, when Eovaldi had a 3.39 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 18 starts with the Miami Marlins. He also put up a 2.9 and 3.2 fWAR in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Overall, Eovaldi has a 4.20 ERA, 3.90 FIP and 4.06 xFIP in his career.
Let the trade rumors begin!
