The Chicago Cubs acquire veteran reliever Brandon Kintzler from the Washington Nationals ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Chicago Cubs are adding another veteran pitcher ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Brandon Kintzler, the 33-year-old reliever formerly with the Washington Nationals, is headed to Chicago in exchange for minor league pitcher Jhon Romero. He joins a Cubs bullpen that already ranks third in the majors in team ERA.
Kintzler has a 3.59 ERA in 45 games for the Nationals this season. He made his first All-Star appearance last season while the closer for the Minnesota Twins, when he had a 2.78 ERA and 28 saves. He was traded to the Nationals at last year’s trade deadline.
In his nine-year career, which began with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010, Kintzler has appeared in 343 games with a 3.30 ERA.
The move comes four days after the Cubs added starter Cole Hamels in a deal with the Texas Rangers. Hamels stabilizes a starting rotation that is only 16th in the league in ERA, and second last in walks. Yu Darvish, the team’s big free agent signing before the season, has only one win and a 4.95 ERA. Kyle Hendricks had a 5.16 ERA in his last 10 starts before a 5-2 win over St. Louis on Sunday.
The Cubs currently lead the Milwaukee Brewers by one game for the NL Central lead.
Chicago Cubs
The addition of Kintzler gives the Cubs another veteran arm in their bullpen. Brandon Morrow has been great this season, with 22 saves and a 1.47 ERA, but is currently on the disabled list with a biceps injury. Kintzler has experience closing games and could step into Morrow’s place until he returns.
Kintzler also has a team-friendly contract, with $1.6 million remaining on his deal the rest of the season. He has a mutual option for 2019.
Grade: B+
Washington Nationals
Jhon Romero, 23, has never pitched above Single-A. He has a 3.27 ERA at Myrtle Beach this season. At 52-53, the Nationals are one of the most disappointing teams in the majors this season. Moving Kintzler for a prospect unlikely to have any immediate impact only adds to the feeling that they believe they are out of the playoff race.