It really does seem like the Chicago Cubs are going to make one more deal before the July 31st trade deadline, as they’ve been connected to another reliever. This time the Cubs are reportedly interested in Miami Marlins right-hander David Phelps, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale.
Of course, the Cubs aren’t the only the team trying to get help in the bullpen, as virtually every single contender is attempting to at the minimum add pitching depth for a playoff run. Phelps fits more than one purpose because he’s under team control through 2018.
Nightengale lists the Cubs as one of six teams that have shown the most interest in Phelps.
The Marlins are drawing the most attention with veteran reliever David Phelps, with the New York Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, Cubs, Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers showing the most interest.
(Bob Nightengale)
Phelps is 30-years-old, and currently has a 3.45 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 47 innings. He’s been all right in 2017, but there’s a lot to like when you see his 2016 numbers. Phelps pitched 86.2 innings last year, when he also started five games, and finished the season with a 2.28 ERA. He had 114 strikeouts and only 38 walks. Just dominating stuff. The strikeout numbers are down this season, but still respectable at 25.9 percent.
There was some confusion on Monday, when the Cubs were linked to Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton. In the first half of the season, one of the lone bright spots was the bullpen for the Cubs, so fans wondered why they’d be going after another reliever. It’s pretty simple though. The front office is always thinking ahead and looking for controllable pitching. Yes, the Cubs have Wade Davis, but he’s going to be a free agent after this year and so is Koji Uehara. In the case of Uehara, he’ll be 43-years-old, so the Cubs are going to need at least a few new arms in the bullpen. Getting out in front of it now is great business.
Remember the Mike Montgomery trade last year? It makes sense. David Phelps would help this year and add insurance next season too if the Cubs don’t re-sign a couple of their relievers.
