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Cubs-Padres Trade Pitch Sends Reliever Back to Chicago

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew Wright | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 8:00 PM ET

With a 2-4 record six games into their season, the Chicago Cubs are struggling mightily in one department, and it was something that was a concern throughout the offseason.

The Cubs bullpen has been quite awful so far, including blowing a 6-2 lead in the eighth inning Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nate Pearson and Eli Morgan were the main culprits, and even though it is extremely early in the season, the bullpen may be something that needs to be addressed immediately.

The San Diego Padres have quite a bit of bullpen depth and AJ Preller certainly isn't afraid to make a move. Here is a potential trade between the two teams that could get Chicago some reinforcement in the bullpen.

Cubs receive: RHP Jeremiah Estrada

Padres receive: LHP Jordan Wicks, RHP Jack Neely (CHC No. 16 prospect), and OF Christian Franklin (CHC No. 25 prospect)

Estrada made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2022 and appeared in just 17 games across two seasons with Chicago. 2024 was his breakout season, as he made 62 appearances for the Padres and finished with a 2.95 ERA. He became extremely reliable out of the bullpen for San Diego, and the Chicago front office may very well feel like he's a player that they would love to have back.

The return of Wicks, Neely and Franklin would give the Padres a promising young relief pitcher as well as a young outfielder with a huge upside. Wicks would be a throw in and could be inserted into the bullpen as a long reliever/swingman type of pitcher that could pitch valuable innings out of the bullpen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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