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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 trades Chicago Cubs should make

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rich Hill
May 29, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports /

The Athletics and Cubs have done many deals in recent years, as Epstein and Billy Beane clearly have a strong working relationship. With the Cubs being obvious buyers and the 36-48 A’s being likely sellers, it is probably more likely than not that the two sides come to some sort of deal prior to the deadline.

The A’s have a lot of players who would specifically make sense for the Cubs. OF Josh Reddick, RP Ryan Madson and LHRP Sean Doolittle (if he is off the DL in time) immediately come to mind, but another pair of lefties makes sense here in this deal.

Rich Hill signed a one-year free agent contract with the A’s this off season, and with starting pitching always being a premium on the trade market, he is likely to be dealt. Hill was dominant with the Boston Red Sox down the stretch last season, and has continued his success with a 2.31 ERA through 12 starts this year.

Hill began his MLB career with the Cubs way back in 2005 and he could be an important arm entered in to the mix for the team in 2016. If the Cubs add Hill, they could go with a six-man rotation for a while before deciding on who they can move to the bullpen.

It may seem odd on the surface, but it would give guys like Jake Arrieta and John Lester more rest for the stretch run, and if anyone can pull it off well, it is Joe Maddon.

Jason Hammel has not looked great in his last few starts for the Cubs and the team cannot afford him to fall apart down the stretch without some insurance. Hill provides some high-end insurance and adds another strong lefty-handed pitcher to the rotation.

Marc Rzepczynski is a left-handed reliever who would make a ton of sense for the Cubs. Rzepczynski will also head to free agency this off season, making him an obvious trade candidate for the Athletics.

The Cubs have a desperate need for a strong left-handed option out of the pen, and Rzepczynski has always been a great option to get left-handed hitters out. Lefties have only hit .223/.289/.300 off of Rzepczynski for his career and he has even done well against RHB in 2016, helping his 2.96 ERA on the season.

Dan Vogelbach is a powerful left-handed hitter who can only play first base. Being blocked by Anthony Rizzo, Vogelbach has nowhere to play with the Cubs. He is an MLB-ready slugger who would make a ton of sense for the A’s.

Rob Zastryzny is a near-MLB ready left-handed starter who would bring some nice value to this trade, and outfielder Jacob Hanneman is an extremely fast and athletic player who would be a solid throw-in.

As two teams in different places, this is a deal that would make plenty of sense for both sides.

Next: 4. New York Yankees

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