Cubs Strengthen Pitching
Chicago Cubs Acquire Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, Bolstering Bullpen for Playoff Push
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Key Points
1
Zeferjahn has 75 strikeouts in 51.2 innings this season, posting a 33.6% strikeout rate that ranks among the majors' top reliever numbers.
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Since June 1, Zeferjahn has been nothing short of effective, recording a 1.38 ERA in 24 appearances as a late-inning option for Chicago.
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Moises Ballesteros' current standing and production help explain the cost: he hit .231 with a .303 on-base percentage in the majors this season before being sent to Triple-A Iowa, where he batted .235 in 32 games this year.
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Mason McGwire, the Cubs’ trade counterpart, was known as a notable prospect in the system, rated No. 18 among Cubs prospects at the time of the deal.
The Chicago Cubs bolstered their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline by acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels, according to KCTV5. The deal sends catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros and pitcher Mason McGwire to Los Angeles in return.
Zeferjahn, a Topeka native and University of Kansas alum, has been one of the more effective relievers in baseball this season. He owns a 3.66 ERA with 75 strikeouts in just 51.2 innings — good for a 33.6% strikeout rate that ranks among the best in the majors, WIBW reports.
Zeferjahn's Hot Stretch Makes Him a Late-Inning Weapon
Since June 1, Zeferjahn has been nearly untouchable. He posted a 1.38 ERA across 24 appearances, making him one of the more reliable high-leverage options available at the deadline, according to The Game Haus.
The Cubs needed bullpen help badly. Adding a pitcher with Zeferjahn's recent form gives Chicago a late-inning arm it can trust as the team pushes for an NL Central title and a spot in October baseball.
Cubs Pay a Real Price: Ballesteros and McGwire Headed to LA
The cost was steep. Moisés Ballesteros, the main piece going to the Angels, hit .231 with a .303 on-base percentage in the majors this year before being sent down to Triple-A Iowa, where he batted .235 in 32 games, according to Yahoo Sports.
Mason McGwire was also part of the deal. He was rated the No. 18 prospect in the Cubs' system at the time of the trade. Giving up two young players is a big ask, but Chicago decided the bullpen upgrade was worth it, Da Windy City reported.
Cubs Reshape Pitching Staff With Gausman Move Too
The Zeferjahn deal is not the only pitching move Chicago has made. The Cubs also added veteran starter Kevin Gausman to shore up rotation depth, according to Yahoo Sports. The two moves together show a team that is serious about its playoff push.
The Cubs are willing to spend top prospects to fix their pitching right now. That bet only pays off if Zeferjahn keeps throwing the way he has since June.
A Kansas Kid Gets His Shot on the Biggest Stage
Zeferjahn grew up in Topeka and played college ball at the University of Kansas before reaching the majors. At 28 years old, he now joins a Cubs team with real playoff ambitions, KCTV5 notes.
For a Kansas native, heading to Chicago is a major moment. If his 1.38 ERA since June holds up, he could be the kind of reliever that makes a real difference when games are on the line in October.
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