The Chicago Cubs appear to still be active in the trade market ahead of today's 5 p.m. CT trade deadline.
Even after adding third baseman Jeimer Candelario from the Washington Nationals and right-handed pitcher Jose Cuas from the Kansas City Royals, the Cubs could look to add a left-hander Brooks Raley from the New York Mets according to The Athletic.
Raley holds a 2.37 ERA in 38.0 innings pitched this season, he would slot in well to Chicago's bullpen who could use another lefty.
Even better, Raley is under contract this season for $4.5 million with a $6.5 million option for the 2024 MLB season. Adding him would benefit the Cubs for two potential postseason runs.
However, that means Raley would likely come with a higher price tag than a rental. But Raley has proved to be a high-end and leverage arm, something that the Cubs bullpen could really utilize at this juncture.
It helps take pressure off of the existing unit who is already taxed this late in the season. Additionally, it sends a strong message to the clubhouse and fanbase that the front office recognizes the achievement of the club thus far and is willing to add to it.
That only helps ensure that the Cubs have the best opportunity available to pursue a Wild Card berth and perhaps even the National League Central division.
This year's deadline has been a wild one, even more so for Chicago who up until a week ago was still debating whether or not they would be buyers or sellers.
That decision has been made and the Cubs are going for it in 2023.
More must-reads: