Chicago Cubs trade for Felix Doubront

There are a few different categories under which we can file trades made in the time around the MLB Trade Deadline. There are more traditional “rental” deals, salary dumps, deals that factor in long-term considerations, and even the occasional win-win deal. Obviously these categories will overlap from time to time as well.

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When one considers the trade between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, however, it does not really fit into any of those deadline deal classifications. Really, this is just a deal that happened to take place around the trade deadline, though it might clear the way for further moves.

The Cubs acquired Felix Doubront from the Red Sox for a player to be named later. Jon Morosi first reported the deal.

Doubront has struggled working out of the bullpen in Boston this season, with an ERA north of 6.00. He had previously worked as a starting pitcher, posting fairly good numbers in that role. In 2012 and 2013 he won double-digit games, though his ERA ballooned up on him from time to time. Unhappy about his move to the bullpen, Doubront has been something of a problem for the Red Sox.

With that the Cubs added him. In so doing they essentially added a 26-year-old left-handed pitcher for nothing.

This move reunites Doubront with Theo Epstein. If the Cubs strike it rich on this deal they will look savvy for adding Doubront when they did. If not, no real harm will be done.

Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumblings from the baseball hot stove this trade season.