The Rationale
The Cubs boast one of the top farm systems in baseball, with some sources even ranking them at No. 1. While they might not have quite as much talent to spare as the Orioles, they can afford to trade from their surplus of outfield prospects.
Additionally, the Cubs will undoubtedly be seeking bullpen help. Their relievers currently rank 13th in the NL with a 4.56 ERA, and they lack a reliable closer. Adbert Alzolay took on the role last season, but he was struggling this year even before landing on the injured list.
Some might argue that the Cubs are not in a position to spend their best trade assets on a relief pitcher. Closers are a luxury, and a dominant closer is more valuable to a postseason-bound team than to one fighting to stay above .500.
However, the advantage of acquiring Miller is his extended team control, ensuring the Cubs don't have to worry about wasting resources on a closer only to miss the playoffs. This team is just entering its competitive window; if Miller and the Cubs don't make the playoffs this October, there's always next year.
This post by Leo Morgenstern appeared first on Just Baseball.
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