Chicago Cubs land Justin Wilson and Alex Avila from the Detroit Tigers
On Sunday night, the Chicago Cubs acquired left-handed relief ace Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila in a trade with the Detroit Tigers.
The Chicago Cubs clearly wanted to improve their team in two specific spots prior to the 2017 MLB trade deadline; the bullpen and backup catcher. Victor Caratini and Justin Grimm were clearly two weak points on a loaded first-place roster and the Cubs did a great job of filling both needs with one big swoop.
In a trade with the Detroit Tigers, the Cubs acquired left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila. In exchange for the two players who will undoubtedly help them down the stretch, the Cubs sent the Tigers Triple-A third baseman Jeimer Candelario, Single-A shortstop Isaac Paredes and a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Based on the cash considerations also being an option, I would not worry too much about the PTBNL being a significant prospect.
The trade has yet to be made official by the two teams, but it has been reported as official by respected reporters. It appears that MLB Network’s Jon Morosi had it first.
Let’s take a stroll down Twitter memory lane to see how this deal came to be. It was an interesting night as the trade seem to be coming together throughout the evening.
Trade timeline
Sources: #Cubs working hard to land #Tigers’ Justin Wilson. At least one team involved thinks CHC will be landing spot. Others involved.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2017
Our first mention of Candelario:
Hearing same as @Ken_Rosenthal that #Cubs closing in on Justin Wilson. Heard Tigers like 3b Jeimer Candelario.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2017
there is indeed talk of candelario for justin wilson. possible others in mix too. @Ken_Rosenthal mentioned cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2017
Alex Avila enters the mix:
Source: Cubs could send No. 1 prospect Candelario to Tigers for Wilson/Avila. Nothing final. I think @JonHeyman mentioned Candelario 1st.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2017
And here we go!
sources: cubs are close to a deal to get justin wilson
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2017
Justin Wilson trade from #Tigers to #Cubs is close, source confirms @JonHeyman report. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
Source: #Cubs, if deal is completed, will get Justin Wilson and Alex Avila from #Tigers for Jeimer Candelario and at least one other. Close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2017
Paredes enters the mix:
Told other Cub minor league player going to Detroit in Wilson deal is SS Isaac Paredes. (South Bend)
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 31, 2017
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
The Tigers-Cubs trade is "at the one-yard line," I'm told. Medical records are being reviewed before it's finalized.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) July 31, 2017
Officially official.
#Cubs, #Tigers trade is complete. Medical review is done. Officially official. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
FINALIZED: #Cubs acquire Justin Wilson and Alex Avila from #Tigers for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and PTBNL or cash. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017