MLB Rumors: 3 Chicago Cubs who won’t be on the roster by Sept. 1
By Mark Powell
The Cubs did the right thing at the MLB trade deadline, reversing corse and becoming measured buyers. But what’s next for the suddenly red-hot north siders?
As of Friday morning, Chicago is just 2.5 games back in the NL Central after a win over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The division-leading Brewers, along with the Reds who are just a half-game back, are 4-6 in their last ten games. The Cubs, meanwhile, are 8-2.
Measured acquisitions, such as bringing back former Cub Jeimer Candelario, have worked well so far. Candelario made history in his first few games back at Wrigley. Meanwhile, Chicago finally cleared their logjam at first base by DFA’ing Trey Mancini. Cody Bellinger continues to rake, especially with the newfound belief he may have a long-term home. And Marcus Stroman, who the Cubs held onto at the deadline despite the advice of many pundits, was placed on the injured list.
Any baseball roster is fluid. Changes are constant, especially this time of year. Here’s what to expect from Chicago by early September.
Cubs who won’t be on Sept. 1 roster: Anthony Kay
Chicago’s bullpen leaves much to be desired, and they need relief pitchers they can trust. That is not expected to be Anthony Kay, who has an ERA over six since his promotion to the big leagues. Kay was once a Blue Jay, but claimed off waivers by Chicago. Kay performed well enough in Triple-A Iowa to earn another chance in the bigs, as MLB Trade Rumors summarizes:
“Kay, 28, came to the Cubs in December when they claimed him off waivers from the Blue Jays. They put him back on waivers about a month later but were able to get him through, keeping him in the organization. He’s spent the year in Triple-A so far, tossing 28 innings over 23 appearances. He has a 4.50 ERA, 27.4% strikeout rate, 12.8% walk rate and 54.4% ground ball rate.”
Unfortunately, Kay regressed to his old ways in Toronto shortly after arriving. From 2019 to 2022, Kay had a 5.48 ERA with the Jays in 28 appearances. He hasn’t been much better with the Cubs, hence why they’d be better served sending him elsewhere.