The Chicago Cubs have added another piece to their bullpen. Approximately two weeks ago, they were able to acquire Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees for several prospects. It was announced via Buster Olney of ESPN that they had acquired relief pitcher Joe Smith from the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos are going to be getting minor league pitcher Jesus Castillo from the Chicago Cubs, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Joe Smith who is 32 years old has been decent this season. He has an ERA of 3.82, 6.0 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, 0.96 HR/9 and a 54.8% ground ball rate in 37 2/3 innings. Unfortunately, he had to miss a majority of June due to a hamstring strain. He has approximately $1.88 MM left on his contract and after that, he will be eligible for free agency. In November of 2013, Joe Smith signed a three-year deal worth $15.75 MM after a long and successful run in Cleveland. This trade helps add to the Cubs bullpen that has improved.
Over the last few weeks, the Cubs have revamped their bullpen by adding Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees, Mike Montgomery, and taking Joe Nathan off the disabled list. The player who the Cubs traded to Los Angeles for is a 20-year-old pitcher who posted a 3.27 ERA in just seven starts with the Cubs Low-A team this year.
In another move done today by the Angels, they traded Hector Santiago and a prospect to the Minnesota Twins for Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer. Ricky Nolasco is someone who can help their pitching.