Grading the Cubs' 2024 Trade Deadline Deals

Trade 3

Cubs Acquire: RHP Jack Neely, INF Ben Cowles 

Yankees Acquire: RHP Mark Leiter Jr. 

Leiter Jr. was one of the Cubs more consistent arms throughout July. The right-hander did not allow an earned run since coming off the IL on July 9. Those seven outings for Leiter saw him punch out 14 of the 23 batters he faced. 

The Toms River, NJ native threw in 39 games this season before his departure to New York. Leiter Jr. threw 36.1 innings and posted a 4.21 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. His 2.11 FIP was the lowest mark in a campaign in his career, which led to him being sought after by contenders. 

Neely is a lengthy 6’8” right-hander who should be nearing the show soon. The 24-year-old has impressed thus far across two levels in the Yankees farm system this season. Neely has tossed 41.2 innings between AA and AAA in his fourth year with the Yankee organization. The San Antonio, TX native put up a 2.81 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP with Somerset and Scranton/Wilkes Barre. 

An 11th-round selection of New York in 2021 out of Ohio State, Neely features a fastball in the mid-90s with a wicked slider. With levers like his, Neely’s fastball has the potential to climb in velocity if developed properly by Chicago’s staff and could be an impactful bullpen arm down the road. 

Cowles played in 88 games at AA Somerset this year. The infielder was extremely consistent in a solid sample size, as he slashed .295/.376/.472. Cowles clubbed nine homers and drove in 51 runs before being placed on IL due to having a chipped bone in his wrist after being hit by a pitch.

The former Maryland Terrapin projects as a middle infielder and his lone red flag entering his season stemmed from his inconsistent contact rate. Based on his numbers posted in nearly 90 games, that appears to have figured itself out. 

Many sources believe the Cubs could have fetched more for Leiter Jr, especially with his contract being under team control through 2026. At the same time, the two prospects that are coming to Chicago have plenty of upside. 

Grade: B-

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