Contenders Circling a Couple Cubs Relievers in Trade Talks

If the Chicago Cubs are going to sell at this year’s trade deadline, then expect to see a lot more rumors surrounding a few of their relievers in the next week or so leading up to July 30. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers wrote about the possibility of the Cubs deciding to indeed trade away some players and specifically mentioned a couple of bullpen arms that contenders are interested in.

First, in ESPN’s latest trade rumor buzz article, Rogers wrote the following.

Via ESPN.

“The Chicago Cubs told teams a couple of weeks ago that they would probably be willing to trade some of their veterans, but then a sweep of the Orioles in Baltimore before the All-Star break put that on pause. But they’re back to subtraction mode after losing a home series to Arizona. A few of their relievers look desirable, with Hector Neris and Mark Leiter Jr. drawing the most interest. Neris has a team option for 2025 that turns into a $9 million player option if he makes 60 or more appearances.”

Rogers was also on the North Side Territory podcast with Patrick Mooney following Sunday’s 2-1 Cubs win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and was asked about the realistic trade possibilities for Jed Hoyer and the front office.

Via the North Side Territory podcast.

“The most realistic thing would be a couple of those relievers. Mark Leiter Jr. would be at the top of that list. All the contenders are looking at him in particular. Really good against lefties and if you don’t overuse him, then there’s no reason to think he can’t continue on. They’re looking at Hector Neris, who could be a little more complicated with that team option that could turn into a player option.”

Mark Leiter Jr. has carved out a pretty nice career with the Cubs after struggling to stick in the majors back in 2017-18. Despite being a righty, Leiter has been a weapon against left-handed hitters, posting a 31.3 strikeout percentage against lefties with the Cubs out of the bullpen. He’s held lefty hitters to a .188 batting average and overall has a 3.52 ERA as a reliever in 136 appearances since 2022.

So far in 2024, Leiter has recorded a 4.64 ERA in 36 games, but his struggles in June proceeded a trip to the injured list because of a forearm injury. His first 20 appearances were dominant, posting a 0.90 ERA through May 21. The 33-year-old pitcher returned from the injured list earlier in July and he’s looked great again, tossing 4.1 perfect innings with 8 strikeouts in four outings.

In 2023, Leiter appeared in a career high 69 games and recorded a 3.50 ERA in 64.1 innings. He’s set to earn $1.5 million in 2024 and will be in the second year of arbitration next season.

As for Hector Neris, how about his turnaround that actually has teams interested in him. He was public enemy number one among Cubs fans a month ago after a few brutal blown saves, but ever since then Neris has pitched extremely well. The veteran reliever has eight straight scoreless appearance for the Cubs and Neris isn’t getting good results by pure luck like he was earlier this season. In his last seven innings, Neris has 12 strikeouts to only 4 walks and has only given up four hits during that stretch.

However, as Rogers noted on ESPN and in his podcast appearance with Mooney, trading Neris could become more complicated because besides his $9 million salary this year he has an option for the 2025 season that is also worth $9 million. Neris has appeared in 36 games with the Cubs and if he reaches 60, then he can automatically opt-in to earn $9 million next year. If he’s traded, you’d think the team acquiring him would use him plenty down the stretch, so it’s almost a guarantee that Neris would get to that 60-game mark.

The Cubs could always send money as well to cover part of Neris’ deal to make it more enticing for an interested team. A few more good outings from Neris and the chances of him getting traded will increase. That is if the Cubs do in fact become sellers.

A few other relievers currently in the Cubs bullpen could also be dealt away within the next week. Tyson Miller, who the Cubs acquired from the Seattle Mariners in April, has posted a 1.59 ERA in 22.2 innings, while Jorge Lopez has only given up one run in 8.2 innings with the Cubs and has a 3.09 ERA overall this year in 35 innings.

One more as Drew Smyly has quietly put together a solid season, posting a 2.92 ERA in 37 innings of work. The 35-year-old has a $2.5 million buyout included in his contract for the 2025 season.