Chicago Cubs rumors: James Russell becoming a hot name
By Dan Zinski
Contenders never feel like they have enough relief pitching, so if you have a good relief pitcher on your team, especially one who throws with his left arm and isn’t being paid a ton of money, you have yourself a very valuable commodity.
More from Chicago Cubs
- MLB Rumors: Yankees mistake, Cardinals trade package, Cubs choice
- MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
- Cubs: Cody Bellinger is putting up come-and-get-me numbers
- Cubs front office deserves an apology for Willson Contreras hysteria
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
The Chicago Cubs happen to have a relief pitcher like the one described above. His name is James Russell and according to Peter Gammons, Russell is becoming a hot name in trade discussion.
The Los Angeles Angels are one team in particular that could use another left-handed arm out of the pen. We know the Tigers are also looking for relief help though they might be more interested in a closer than a left-handed set-up man.
Russell’s numbers this year have been solid. In 34 appearances, he has a 2.22 ERA and a 1.068 WHIP. He has been dominant against lefties in the past, but this year he’s actually been stronger against righties than lefties.
A 28-year-old left-handed reliever who can get right-handed hitters out? Theo Epstein and the Cubs should have no trouble moving this guy for a good prospect. The sell-off should continue in Chicago and James Russell looks to be one of the guys who will be moving on.
Like FanSided on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter
Subscribe to the Fansided Daily Newsletter. Sports news all up in your inbox.