What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs have acquired veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Baltimore Orioles, following their recent trade for Mike Soroka from the Washington Nationals. Kittredge, a seasoned pitcher in his ninth MLB season, has been performing well with a 3.56 ERA and seven holds for the Orioles this year. The Cubs are sending shortstop Wilfri de la Cruz to the Orioles in exchange. This move is part of the Cubs' strategy to bolster their bullpen, which has shown signs of weakness with a 6.00 ERA in July. The team aims to enhance their pitching lineup alongside closer Daniel Palencia and setup men Brad Keller and Caleb Thielbar.
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Why It's Important?
The acquisition of Andrew Kittredge is crucial for the Cubs as they seek to address the recent struggles in their bullpen. With the team's bullpen ranking third-worst in baseball for July, adding a reliable arm like Kittredge could stabilize their pitching performance. This trade reflects the Cubs' commitment to strengthening their roster in pursuit of the NL Central title. The move also highlights the team's proactive approach in the trade market, aiming to improve their chances in the competitive division.
What's Next?
The Cubs will continue to monitor their bullpen's performance and may consider further roster adjustments as needed. With the trade deadline approaching, additional moves could be made to ensure the team remains competitive. The Cubs' management will likely evaluate the effectiveness of their current bullpen setup and make strategic decisions to optimize their pitching staff.
