What Do the Cubs Look Like After the MLB Trade Deadline?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Final Thoughts on the Cubs' Trade Deadline
While the Cubs didn't move all their key trade pieces, they made strategic decisions to bolster their roster for 2025 and beyond. Players like Jameson Taillon remained, preserving their trade value for future deadlines.
Overall Betting Insights:
- Team Performance: The Cubs' improved roster makes them a stronger contender in the second half of the season.
- Player Props: Watch for betting opportunities on newly acquired players like Paredes and Pearson.
- Future Bets: Consider the Cubs' potential impact in the 2025 season and beyond, given their strategic acquisitions.
Overview of the Chicago Cubs' Trade Deadline Strategy
The 2024 MLB trade deadline saw plenty of action, and the Chicago Cubs made several surprising moves. Contrary to expectations, the Cubs were not major sellers and even made some strategic acquisitions. Let's break down each trade and its potential impact on the team, along with some betting insights.
Key Trade Acquisitions and Departures for the Cubs
Players In Players Out Isaac Paredes Christopher Morel Nate Pearson Mark Leiter Jr. Jack Neely Hunter Bigge Ben Cowles Ty Johnson Yohendrick Pinango Josh Rivera Isaac Paredes: A Major Acquisition for the Cubs
The Cubs made headlines by acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge, and Ty Johnson.
Impact on the Cubs' Lineup
Paredes, a reliable third baseman, could fill a crucial gap for the Cubs. Despite Morel's team control, his .199 batting average and sub-.700 OPS prompted the trade. Paredes, hitting .243 with an OPS of .784 and 16 home runs, brings both power and contact skills to the lineup. His superior defense, with 0 OAA compared to Morel's -12 OAA, further solidifies this upgrade.
Betting Insight: Paredes' addition could improve the Cubs' win probability, making them a more attractive option for game bets and prop bets on individual performances.
Nate Pearson: Adding Depth to the Bullpen
The Cubs traded minor leaguers Yohendrick Pinango and Josh Rivera to the Blue Jays for reliever Nate Pearson. Pearson's 97.5 mph fastball and 82nd percentile strikeout rate offer significant upside despite his high ERA.
Analysis of the Trade
Pearson has already made a memorable debut for the Cubs, showing both his potential and volatility. Pinango and Rivera, both top-30 prospects for the Cubs, bring future potential to the Blue Jays but were expendable given the Cubs' depth in middle infielders.
Betting Insight: Pearson's high strikeout rate can be a key factor in live betting scenarios, especially in high-leverage situations.
Mark Leiter Jr. Trade to the Yankees
The Cubs traded their top reliever, Mark Leiter Jr., to the Yankees for Jack Neely and Ben Cowles. Leiter's underlying stats, including a 2.61 xERA and 13.1 K/9, made him a valuable asset for the Yankees.
Prospects Acquired
- Jack Neely: A towering pitcher with a high strikeout rate and potential to be a top reliever.
- Ben Cowles: A versatile infielder/outfielder with a strong season in Double-A, showcasing a .294 average and .848 OPS.
Betting Insight: Neely's potential and Cowles' versatility could impact future Cubs betting lines, particularly as they advance through the minors.
Final Thoughts on the Cubs' Trade Deadline
While the Cubs didn't move all their key trade pieces, they made strategic decisions to bolster their roster for 2025 and beyond. Players like Jameson Taillon remained, preserving their trade value for future deadlines.
Overall Betting Insights:
- Team Performance: The Cubs' improved roster makes them a stronger contender in the second half of the season.
- Player Props: Watch for betting opportunities on newly acquired players like Paredes and Pearson.
- Future Bets: Consider the Cubs' potential impact in the 2025 season and beyond, given their strategic acquisitions.
Overview of the Chicago Cubs' Trade Deadline Strategy
The 2024 MLB trade deadline saw plenty of action, and the Chicago Cubs made several surprising moves. Contrary to expectations, the Cubs were not major sellers and even made some strategic acquisitions. Let's break down each trade and its potential impact on the team, along with some betting insights.
Key Trade Acquisitions and Departures for the Cubs
Players In Players Out Isaac Paredes Christopher Morel Nate Pearson Mark Leiter Jr. Jack Neely Hunter Bigge Ben Cowles Ty Johnson Yohendrick Pinango Josh Rivera
