Chicago Cubs: 3 Potential trades with the New York Mets

Trade #1: Cubs acquire right-handed reliever Seth Lugo

This would be a big acquisition for an already solid Cubs bullpen. Seth Lugo was a starter for the Mets as recently as last season, but he was moved to the bullpen to provide stability in middle relief.

Lugo has shown consistency as a middle reliever. He’s had a solid year so far, especially against left-handed batters who are batting just .184 against him this season.

If the Cubs can’t find a top-tier lefty reliever on the trade market, they may need to look at Lugo as a possible consolation prize. Although he’s not lights out against lefties, he’s got good numbers against them and has done a great job overall out of the bullpen.

The New York Daily News called Lugo “An island of reliability” as a part of the Mets bullpen. Indeed, their bullpen has really struggled this year with an overall ERA of 5.89, good for third worst in the majors.

If the Mets continue to struggle and look to become sellers, Lugo could be a guy they’re interested in unloading for a decent return. Ian Happ seems like an ideal player to give up as he’s been in no man’s land all season waiting to get called up from the minors.

It doesn’t seem like that will happen anytime soon for Happ, and I fully expect the Cubs to dangle him as a trade piece in several potential deals near the deadline.

It’s unlikely that the Cubs would try and acquire another right-handed pitcher for their bullpen, but if they’re out of options on lefties, Lugo could be the answer.