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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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Brad Ziegler
Jun 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Ziegler (29) throws during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Most of the attention in MLB Trade Rumors have been surrounded by the Cubs looking for a left-handed relief pitcher on the trade market. While that certainly makes sense, I would not be surprised to see them make a move for an impact right-handed reliever as well.

The 38-48 Arizona Diamondbacks are extremely likely to be sellers and have no real need for 36-year-old closer Brad Ziegler who will hit free agency this off season. This is not as big of a move as trading for a guy like Chapman or Miller, but Ziegler could be an impact player for the Cubs down the stretch.

The side-arm slinging right-handed reliever has pitched well for the Diamondbacks this season, posting a 2.82 ERA and saving 18 games in 20 opportunities. Ziegler would not be the closer for the Cubs, but he would be a strong set-up option for the team who is particularly effective against right-handed hitters.

Ziegler can get lefties out as well, but his side-arm delivery makes him extra tough on right-handed hitters. The Cubs would still need to find a left-handed arm in this scenario, but Ziegler would undoubtedly be a great guy to add to the mix.

Jake Stinnett is a projectable starting pitcher who is performing pretty well for the Cubs’ High-A affiliate. He is still a few years away from being a big league pitcher, but Stinnett has strong stuff and would be a solid prospect for the Diamonbacks.

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