Fansided

MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

By Baasil Ebrahim

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 27: Starting pitcher J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch in the second inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 27, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays won 5-3. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 27: Starting pitcher J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch in the second inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 27, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays won 5-3. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs

J.A. Happ, SP

The Cubs are fine offensively. Anybody who is worrying about that unit needs to realize that they have a sleeping giant in Anthony Rizzo who will come back and rescue this team from any offensive struggles people think they are having. Combine him with Kris Bryant and the emerging Javier Baez and you have a top offense in baseball.

There is no question that the Cubs need more starting pitching depth. Right now, 3 of their 5 starters have ERAs about 4 and as a unit, the Cubs have gotten the eighth least innings from their starters. However, they can still fix this.

J.A. Happ solves the two problems the Cubs are having with their pitching staff. He has been and will continue to be a reliable innings eater. With his ERA of 3.84 and average start length of almost 6 innings, he will provide stability for the Cubs rotation. Not to mention, he is in the middle of a career year. Throwing higher and taking advantage of hitter’s tendencies has allowed him to excel. He’s walking less batters and striking out more, while maintaining a career best 1.112 WHIP.

Joe Maddon would love the versatility that having an extra starter would provide him in the playoffs as he could feel comfortable with pulling a starter early, knowing someone else is ready to pitch more innings. Plus, if Happ can pitch out of the bullpen in the playoffs, that is another left handed arm. He’s perfect for the Cubs.

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