Da Windy City
Fansided

Chicago Cubs rumors: Five under-the-radar targets for MLB trade deadline

By Dan Schmelzer

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 27: Starting pitcher Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago White Sox delivers the ball against the New York Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 27: Starting pitcher Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago White Sox delivers the ball against the New York Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Justin Wilson
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 4: Justin Wilson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on June 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Wilson recorded his second win in a 7-4 victory over the White Sox. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Justin Wilson, RP, Detroit Tigers

All of the trade talk about the Cubs and Tigers has been surrounding Verlander and Avila. I get it, both players definitely make sense for the Cubs. That being said, the Tigers quietly have a ton of players who would fit well on the North Side.

Left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson stands out as an intriguing piece. Wilson is an extremely hard-throwing lefty who can be borderline unhittable. He showcases a high-90s fastball, a nasty cutter and a strong hard slider. Wilson is a powerful pitcher who would be a welcomed addition to any bullpen.

Through 2017, Wilson has posted a strong 2.56 ERA and 2.96 FIP. His 37.6% strikeout rate (FanGraphs) is strong and his 9.7% walk rate is not overly damaging. Wilson is tough on lefties (.219/.286/.375) but is actually better against right-handed hitters (.138/.225/.313) thanks to his cutter that runs hard in on that side.

His control is a bit of an issue, but Wilson undoubtedly has elite upside in the bullpen. Wilson is an even more attractive trade candidate because he is not a rental. He is under contract through the 2018 season, which is great, but it probably makes his price go up as well.

Even though he can be a long-term piece, the Tigers may be best off just selling high on him right now. They are not contending in 2017 and are unlikely to do so next season. Wilson would not come cheap, but I doubt the price to acquire him would be too terrible.

The Chicago Cubs could use another dominant arm out of the bullpen and Wilson would be a fantastic fit.

Home/Chicago Cubs