MLB Rumors: Predicting Trade Destinations for every Cubs Player on the Block
By Jake Oliver
Cubs Rumors: David Robertson, RHP Trade Destination
As our own Robert Murray reported, David Robertson is one of the top rental bullpen arms on the market. Robertson has been serving as the Cubs’ closer despite his five blown saves. Through his 39.1 innings so far this season, Robertson has 14 saves, a 1.83 ERA, and 3.25 FIP, with 50 Ks to 19 walks. While the walks are an issue, that strikeout rate is insane. His 31.4 percent strikeout rate is one of the highest among bullpen arms.
One factor that is raising David’s price is his contract. He’s due to make only $1.5 to $2.5 million the rest of the season, depending on performance bonuses. Another factor is the fact that he has been great against left-handed hitters in a market devoid of many left-handed relievers available for trade. Combine that with an increase in his ground ball rate and a dramatic decrease in his hard-hit rate and it’s no wonder why he’s such a valuable trade piece.
Likely Trade Destination: New York Mets with a hat tip to Robert Murray for connecting the two
Cubs Rumors: Mychal Givens, RHP, Trade Destination
Mychal Givens is a well-known late-inning reliever that has been around for a while in the MLB. He’s having another strong season and likely will be traded at the trade deadline for the second year in a row. So far this year, Givens has pitched in 39 games and thrown 39.2 innings. Over those innings, Givens has a 3.95 FIP and 2.72 ERA with a 6-2 record. He has struck out 49 batters while walking 19.
The walk rate is a bit concerning, but he’s a cheap asset for a contender to acquire. Throw him into a team’s pitching lab and perhaps those walks go down. He’s on an extremely cheap contract with a mutual option. Basically, he’s a rental. Due to that, he would be a great choice for a team that just wants to add to its vaunted bullpen in order to rest their two-star relievers for the postseason.
Likely Trade Destination: Milwaukee Brewers