4. Kyle Schwarber to the Athletics
Before all of Chicago jumps down my throat can I explain myself, please? As you likely know, Kyle Schwarber doesn’t have a position. Yes, he plays left field but he’s a butcher in the outfield. Like really bad.
See Exhibit A from Game 4 of the 2015 NLCS:
Schwarber’s a DH. If Rob Manfred implemented the DH in the National League, a good idea but an argument for another day, then there’s no reason to trade Schwarber. Since Schwarber’s a bad fielder, and they can use a closer with Brandon Morrow on the shelf it’s something the Cubs might have to do.
Here’s how both the A’s and Cubs can help each other long-term and for right now:
Let’s start with the Cubs. They land a closer that can help out while Morrow is injured for this year with two more years of control. Treinen has a 0.94 ERA with 24 saves. Let me say that again 0.94 ERA! That’s insane.
Then Jorge Mateo, who the A’s got in the Sonny Gray deal, is a versatile prospect who can play either in the infield or outfield. Finally, Jesus Luzardo has a 2.16 ERA in A and AA this year and in his career has a 1.99 ERA in the minors as a starter. That can help the Cubs starting pitching needs in 2019.
For Oakland, they get a big lefty to fill the DH role. Scwarber has three years of arbitration before he’s a UFA so that should give the A’s a little bit of a window to work with. Kris Davis goes back to left field, and Scwarber goes to his natural position of designated hitter. It’s a win for everyone.