Da Windy City
Fansided

Five remaining trade targets for the Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 07: Alex Avila #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 7, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 07: Alex Avila #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 7, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Pat Neshek
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 01: Pat Neshek #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the 9th inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 1, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Phillies defeated the Cubs 10-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Pat Neshek, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Pat Neshek has been great for the Philadelphia Phillies. The sidearm slinging right-hander has a sparkling 1.21 ERA in 40 appearances this season. However, what do the 30-61 Phillies need with a 36-year-old reliever who becomes a free agent at the end of the season? Neshek is extremely likely to go to the highest bidder on July 31st.

I would not call the bullpen a major need for the Cubs, but they could certainly use another reliable arm or two out there. Pedro Strop has been inconsistent and they simply cannot count on Hector Rondon anymore. Their struggles have left the bullpen with less depth than it was expected to have.

Neshek has been incredible this season. While his sidearm delivery makes him particularly tough on righties, Neshek has shown the ability to get lefties out as well. He is a tremendous overall pitcher who pounds the strike zone and has a lot of deceptiveness in his game.

Neshek has impressive 29% strikeout rate this season, according to FanGraphs. His ridiculously low 3.6% walk rate is even more impressive. Neshek has been nails for the Phillies and would be a strong addition to any contenders bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs should have an interest in Neshek as he immediately makes the back-end of their ‘pen look even better. However, he is still a rental and overspending on him would be irresponsible. If the price is right, Neshek could make a lot of sense for the Cubs.

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