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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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Fernando Abad
May 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Fernando Abad (58) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Fernando Abad

Fernando Abad is a journeyman left-handed relief pitcher who has had varying levels of success throughout his seven-year MLB career. He is not as exciting as the other guys on this list, but Abad has been extremely effective for the Minnesota Twins this season, and would be a huge upgrade over Clayton Richard in the Cubs’ bullpen.

Abad’s best year of his career came in 2014 with the Oakland A’s. That season, Abad posted a stellar 1.57 ERA in 69 relief appearances for the team. He did struggle with the A’s in 2015, but has appeared to get his career back on track with the Twins this season.

Through 29 appearances, Abad currently holds a 2.28 ERA for the Twins, and has been particularly effective against left-handed batters, holding them to a .147/.167/.265 slash line. Abad also holds a strong 25% strikeout rate which is the best of his career.

The 21-48 Twins have the worst record in baseball and will be obvious sellers at the deadline. Abad should be able to be obtained by the Cubs for an extremely low-cost.

While it may not be as sexy as adding Andrew Miller to the mix, if the Cubs can make trades for both Rodney and Abad prior to the deadline, they would have greatly improved their bullpen without giving up any significant assets.

Next: 1. Aroldis Chapman

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