Cubs relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel. Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs still have a lot of work to do with the hours left before the trade deadline ticking down. Here are three deals to get done before then.
The Cubs have already said goodbye to Yu Darvish, Joc Pederson and Andrew Chafin this year. They’re not done yet.
The trade deadline is coming up on Friday and Chicago is expected to be one of the most active teams out there.
With their playoff hopes out the window, the Cubs firesale is on. Now is the time to cash in as much as possible.
MLB Trade Rumors: 3 deals Cubs need to get done before the deadline
3. Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers
The Cubs can take advantage of a contender in need by sending Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers.
Los Angeles has a serious problem with Kenley Jansen melting down over the past couple of weeks. He blew three saves in his last four appearances. Even though he bounced back for a save against the Rockies over the weekend, he’s on shaky ground since the All-Star break.
Kimbrell would be an obvious solution for the Dodgers to bolster their bullpen. He’s having an incredible season with an ERA of 0.49 and the fourth-most saves in the majors. He has just two blown saves against him. Jansen has five.
Jansen is a fine closer. However, Kimbrell is an upgrade for the Dodgers. They could be enticed into giving up a valuable prospect or two for the insurance come October.