ESPN ranks Cubs #1 on MLB trade deadline grades |
The Major League trade deadline is finished up for the 2016 season as the Cubs were very busy landing several different relief pitchers in to shore up the late innings with their bullpen.
ESPN senior writer Jim Bowden released his MLB trade deadline grades and gave the Cubs management an A+ grade on their trade moves. "The Cubs won the trade deadline when they rebuilt their bullpen with the acquisitions of Aroldis Chapman, Joe Smith and Mike Montgomery," Bowden said. "Chapman has the potential to be a difference maker in the postseason with possible matchups against Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy of the Nationals and/or the hefty left-handed lineup of the Giants. The move allows Hector Rondon to move back to the eighth inning, which shortens the game for their starters. Smith gives them a different look with a lower arm angle from the right side, and Montgomery gives them versatility. The Cubs on paper were the best team in baseball before the trades, which only improved their chances of winning the World Series." Chapman was acquired from the Yankees for Gleyber Torres, Adam Warren, Billy McKinney, and Rashad Crawford on July 25. Montgomery was received from the Mariners for Dan Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn on July 20 while Joe Smith was obtained from the Los Angeles Angels for Jesus Castillo on August 1. Other teams in the National League Central's draft grades were St. Louis Cardinals (B), Pittsburgh Pirates (C), Milwaukee Brewers (B), and Cincinnati Reds (D).
