The Chicago Cubs were going to be major players at the trade deadline. They opened the day by bringing in veteran Dan Haren, and finished the day by bringing in…..Tommy Hunter? Who?
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That is what a lot of Cub fans will be asking. This is a team that has a surplus of middle infielders, and the Padres were a team that had starting pitching for sale. It seemed like a perfect match. Until it wasn’t. Instead, the Cubs settled for adding a versatile arm to their pitching staff.
Hunter has 265 career appearances, and started 75 of those. He can work in long relief, and was even the closer for a time last year with the Orioles before losing the job to Zach Britton. He is 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA in 39 appearances this season.
This is not the big time acquisition that the fans wanted, but the Cubs weren’t willing to blow up a good core of young players for a rental. You can’t really blame them. This is what the trade looked like:
Hunter’s role in the Chicago bullpen will likely be long relief. Hector Rondon seems to have taken control of the closer role once again, and if he falters again, Jason Motte and Rafael Soriano would both get chances before Hunter.
Cubbies Crib
The bigger story in this deal could be the piece that the Cubs gave up. The Cubs are set in the outfield with Dexter Fowler, Jorge Soler, and Chris Coghlan. They really didn’t have room for Junior Lake, though he did hit .274 in 58 at bats this year with a homer and eight RBI. The Orioles might have some room for Lake.
Lake has the ability to play at second base, as well as all of the outfield positions. There is a strong possibility that he will fall into a super-sub role for the Orioles when the regulars need a day off. He could become a fantasy asset if he gets hot. Keep an eye on the situation and his usage, and be ready to pounce if necessary.
Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for the fantasy impact of every deadline deal!