Erik Williams - USA Today Sports
Erik Williams - USA Today Sports

Cubs trade for Astros second baseman


by - Senior Editor -

Theo Epstein is making moves.

Chicago Cubs catcher Martin Maldonaldo has been reportedly traded to the Houston Astros for utility-man Tony Kemp hours before the MLB trade deadline.

Kemp, 27, has batted .227 with seven homers and 17 RBIs this season. He is a lefty batter with some speed that can play in the infield and even left and centerfield. The Cubs will end up saving around an estimated 600K on the swap if there is no money exchanged besides the players.

Maldonaldo was traded previously for swingman Mike Montgomery with the Royals when Cubs catcher Willson Contreras was down on the injured list. Maldonaldo hasn't played much with the Cubs getting in only four games and was hitless (0-11) in 13 at-bats.

The Cubs didn't need to carry three catches because of the versatile and talented Victor Caratini who can back up at catcher and at first base.

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