The Chicago Cubs made two trades last night. They weren’t the deals many were perhaps looking for, but they do address needs. The Cubs took the series finale against the Brewers yesterday. They now sit one game back in the NL Central behind the Brewers. With a firm hold on a Wild Card spot, the Chicago Cubs needed relief pitching and starting pitching. Late Wednesday night, the team pulled off a trade swapping their 11th and 18th-ranked prospects for a starter. The Cubs reportedly have also made a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for Reliever Andrew Kitteridge. With one day left before the deadline, today should be interesting. Will we hear of bigger Chicago Cubs trades today before the final bell?
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
Michael Soroka
The Cubs have traded for right-handed starter Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals. The Nationals will receive the Chicago Cubs 11th-ranked prospect Cristian Hernandez and 18th-ranked prospect Fernando Cruz.
Michael Soroka has made 16 starts this year for the Nationals with a 3-8 record and a 4.87 ERA. Soroka pitched mostly in relief last year, but this year has been a starter all year. With 81 and a third innings pitched. Soroka has 87 strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP on the year. With his relief experience, he provides the Chicago Cubs with flexibility. This depends on further moves and the health of the existing rotation down the stretch. He will be a starter to start, but can pitch from the pen if needed.
Cristian Hernandez, the 11th-ranked prospect, a middle infielder, has been with the South Bend Cubs this season, boasting a .270 average.
Fernando Cruz, the 18th-ranked prospect, a shortstop playing rookie ball for the Cubs this season, has a .165 average.
Andrew Kitteridge
The details of the return to the Orioles have not been confirmed. Kitteridge is a right-handed reliever. He will serve as a middle-innings arm for the Chicago Cubs. Kitteridge has appeared in 31 games for the Orioles this year, recording two wins, two losses, and a 3.45 ERA over 31 and one-third innings. HE has a 1.09 WHIP and 32 strikeouts this year. Kitteridge makes nine million this year and has a team option for the same amount next year.
