The Chicago Cubs completed another step to bolstering their bullpen down to stretch late Sunday night. The club acquired left-handed reliever Justin Wilson, along with catcher Alex Avila, from the Detroit Tigers for prospects Jeimer Candelario, Isacc Paredes and a player to be named later or cash, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.
The deal would be Justin Wilson and Alex Avila for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and a Player To Be Named Later or cash, I’m told.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) July 31, 2017
According to Jon Morosi, the trade was done as of about 12:45 a.m. EST Monday morning.
#Cubs, #Tigers trade is complete. Medical review is done. Officially official. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
Chicago Cubs Acquire Justin Wilson
The 29-year-old Wilson is experiencing his best season as a big leaguer, sporting a 2.68 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 42 appearances. Likely to become the setup man for Wade Davis, Wilson provides a valuable arm out of the bullpen for Joe Maddon. Wilson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth round in 2008 out of Fresno State. He made his major league debut in 2012 and was eventually traded to the Yankees in 2015.
Avila is likely to fill the void left by Miguel Montero after he was dealt to Toronto, backing up Willson Contreras and acting as a left-handed bat off the bench. Morosi brought to light an interesting note about this trade, involving Tigers’ GM Al Avila (Alex’s father):
#Cubs, #Tigers trade is complete. Medical review is done. Officially official. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
For the Tigers, this is another step in breaking down their roster; acquiring what they can in return for tradable pieces while their key players continue to age. The club recently dealt outfielder J.D. Martinez to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Canelario is rated as the No. 7 prospect in the Cubs’ organization, according to Baseball America. Paredes is an 18-year-old infielder hitting .261/.341/.399 in 91 games at Low-A South Bend in 2017.
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