Cubs interested in All-Star closer |
The Chicago Cubs are checking in on several relievers before the trade deadline.
MLB inside Bruce Levine is reporting that the North Siders are interested in Padres lefty closer Brad Hand. "The Padres won't feel forced to move Hand given that they have control on him through 2021," he said. Hand has a 3.05 ERA with 24 saves and a 4.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is currently signed through the 2020 season with a $10 million club option for 2021. He would be an excellent backup plan for the Cubs as current closer Brandon Morrow has some injury concerns with his back and the team could always use another lefty and veteran presence in the playoffs. During his career, he has an 18-37 record with a 3.84 ERA and 469 strikeouts including 47 saves. In the last two years, he has represented the Padres in the All-Star game. The Marlins selected him in the second round of the 2008 MLB draft.
