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MLB Trade Rumors: Five relief pitcher targets for the Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who should the Chicago Cubs target in the trade market to help their issues in the bullpen?

The 47-21 Chicago Cubs currently have the best record in baseball and hold a commanding 11.5 game over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central, but there is certainly room for the team to improve prior to the MLB Trade Deadline on July 31st.

Led by a strong starting staff, the Cubs hold the best team ERA in baseball by a wide margin at a mark of 2.67. Their offense is loaded, as their National League leading 366 runs scored shows. They have also played top-notch defense all season long.

While it is still early and nothing is guaranteed, the Cubs seem extremely likely to cruise to an NL Central title and into the post season. That being said, as we all know the playoffs are a whole different ballgame.

The Cubs’ starting staff and lineup is going to make them a tough battle for any team in a playoff series, but an addition or two made to their bullpen could be the difference between the Cubs being a historic regular season team who bows out early and a World Series title.

The Cubs’ 3.45 bullpen ERA on the season is solid, but it does represent an area for improvement on the team.

Closer Hector Rondon has been incredible for the Cubs (12/13 in save opportunities and a 1.48 ERA) and is the clear leader of the bullpen. Set-up man Pedro Strop is also great, and converted starters Travis Wood and Trevor Cahill have been fantastic as well.

However, middle relievers Justin Grimm and Adam Warren have struggled this season, and lefty Clayton Richard and his 7.30 ERA have been awful.

The Cubs could really use another impact arm or two to add to the mix in the pen, and with Wood being the only strong left-handed option for the team, adding a left-handed reliever would be ideal.

Theo Epstein and company could look to veterans like Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta and Brian Matusz who they have stashed away in the minors to help with their bullpen woes, but adding an impact arm via trade is a move that a true World Series contender should make.

The Cubs are stocked with a ton of young and controllable trade assets that will be extremely interesting to other MLB teams. Which obtainable bullpen arms should they be looking at?

Next: 5. Andrew Miller

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