In what has been a whirlwind of a Monday for the Chicago Cubs, the club made a plethora of roster moves. A few players were claimed off waivers, some trades went down, and more. Let’s dive into the roster news.
Brendon Little Traded to Toronto
The Cubs traded minor-league pitcher Brendon Little to the Blue Jays for cash.
A first-round pick by the Cubs in the 2017 MLB Draft, Little was solid for the Iowa Cubs in 2023. In 50 games for the Triple-A squad, most of them in relief, the lefty posted a 4.05 ERA and 9.0 K/9 with 73 strikeouts and 38 walks in 73.1 innings
Although Little has spent most of his career in the minors with the Cubs (seven seasons), he did make one appearance in 2022 with the major league team.
With the surprise hiring of new manager Craig Counsell, it appears the Cubs could become big buyers this offseason to land a couple of stars for 2024. Perhaps a little extra cash from the Blue Jays might help that cause.
Jeremiah Estrada, Jared Young Claimed Off Waivers
Pitcher Jeremiah Estrada and first baseman Jared Young have both been claimed off of waivers.
Estrada, who was claimed by the San Diego Padres, appeared in 12 games for the Cubs in 2023. In almost 10.2 innings, the righty flamethrower posted a 6.75 ERA and 11 K/9 with 13 strikeouts and 12 walks.
Young appeared in 16 games for the Cubs this past season. In 43 at-bats, the lefty had eight hits, including two home runs and three triples, eight RBIs, and a .720 OPS. He was claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Luis Vazquez Added to Roster, Nick Burdi Outrighted to Iowa
The Cubs also added minor-league shortstop Luis Vazquez to the 40-man roster.
In 124 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Vazquez posted a .271/.361/.456 slash line with 20 home runs, 24 doubles, 80 RBIs, 72 runs, 54 walks, 10 stolen bases, and an .817 OPS.
Although it’s unlikely that Vazquez will crack the Cubs' 2024 Opening Day roster, the youngster should be in line to appear in MLB action at some point next season.
With Vazquez joining the roster, the Cubs outrighted relief pitcher Nick Burdi to Triple-A Iowa after he cleared waivers.
Burdi made three appearances out of the Cubs bullpen in 2023 before an injury sidelined him. In three innings, the right-hander gave up three runs with four strikeouts, three walks, and a 12 K/9.
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