Angels' sell-off continues with Ryan Zeferjahn heading to Cubs

Ryan Zeferjahn. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Angels' sell-off continues with Ryan Zeferjahn heading to Cubs

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 3, 2026 4:18 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs front office headed into Monday knowing that upgrades to both the starting rotation and bullpen were needed.

The rotation was first addressed, and now, a trade with the Los Angeles Angels has addressed the bullpen needs.

Ryan Zeferjahn is headed to the Cubs

According to ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan, Los Angeles is sending right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn to Chicago.

In return, the Angels are receiving Cubs prospect Mason McGwire and catcher Moises Ballesteros, who was Chicago's top prospect during the 2025 season.

Cubs reportedly acquire RHP Ryan Zeferjahn from Angels, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman.

(MLB x @CohnReznick) pic.twitter.com/kJLmWAep2L
— MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2026

Ryan Zeferjahn adds a much-needed element to the Cubs bullpen

With its closer Daniel Palencia having missed time this season, Chicago's bullpen has lacked a true strikeout-first reliever. With the acquisition of Zeferjahn, that is no longer the case.

In 51 innings this season, Zeferjahn has 75 strikeouts. He will immediately take the lead for most strikeouts in the Cubs bullpen when he is officially added.

Zeferjahn has been dominant beyond the strikeouts, as opponents are hitting just .155 against him this season. He's allowed just four runs since June 1st and has allowed multiple runs just four times in 45 appearances.

https://t.co/FBUKbi287C pic.twitter.com/ZxZwlxyfT0
— Alex Cohen (@voiceofcohen2) August 3, 2026

Are the Cubs done after this latest trade?

Reports on Sunday indicated that Chicago was seeking to add three pitchers ahead of the trade deadline. Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett and Zeferjahn have gotten them to that number.

Zeferjahn being the third pitcher acquired likely means the end of Chicago's trade deadline moves. If so, the Cubs have finalized the roster they'll have for the stretch run of the season as they try to advance past the NLDS for the first time since 2017.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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