Chicago Cubs: 5 logical MLB trade deadline targets
3. Travis Wood, Kansas City Royals
The Cubs’ rotation has not been great this season. Brett Anderson is a mess and the top four of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey have not been as great as last season. The Cubs will probably aggressively look to add to the rotation at the MLB trade deadline but they may also look to help the bullpen.
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The Cubs’ bullpen has mostly performed well this season, with their biggest slip-ups coming after having to take on too large of a role because of ineffective starters. That being said, the Cubs could certainly use an addition of another strong left-handed reliever. Mike Montgomery is the number one lefty in the pen but he could better serve the team as a starter. That would leave Brian Duensing as the only lefty in the Cubs’ pen.
To add to their left-handed bullpen arsenal, I would not be surprised to see the Cubs go after a familiar face. Travis Wood was a particular favorite of Joe Maddon. Wood is effective against left-handed hitters and he is an exceptional athlete who can hit well and even play the outfield in a pinch.
If the Cubs move Montgomery to the rotation, looking to the Kansas City Royals to acquire Wood would make some sense. Wood has not performed well for the Royals this season, but he is still getting lefties out. As solely a left-handed specialist who Maddon can use in other roles in an emergency, Wood still has some value.
Do not be surprised if the Chicago Cubs at least look into what it would cost to acquire him before the trade deadline.