Andrew Chafin was a valuable addition to the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen in the 2020 season. The Cubs acquired Chafin from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, and he made an immediate impact on the team.
His performance during the short stint with the Cubs helped the team secure a playoff berth. In this article, we will discuss how the Cubs got Andrew Chafin.
Trade Details
Andrew Chafin, a left-handed relief pitcher, was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Chicago Cubs on August 31, 2020. In exchange for Chafin, the Diamondbacks acquired minor league infielder Ronny Simon. This trade took place on the trade deadline of the shortened season, and Chafin had an impressive stint with the Cubs to finish the year.
Chicago Cubs Acquisition of Andrew Chafin
The Chicago Cubs, who were in contention for the National League Central division title during the 2020 season, needed to strengthen their bullpen. Specifically, they needed a left-handed pitcher to complement their right-handed relievers.
Andrew Chafin fit the bill, as he had a history of solid performance against left-handed batters. Chafin also brought experience, having pitched in parts of six seasons for the Diamondbacks.
With Chafin’s addition, the Cubs hoped to bolster their chances of making a postseason run. Chafin pitched in four games for the Cubs, allowing two earned runs and earning himself a 3.00 ERA.
Arizona Diamondbacks Acquisition of Ronny Simon
In exchange for Chafin, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Ronny Simon, a minor league infielder. Simon was not a top prospect and had yet to play above Single-A ball, making him a low-risk acquisition for the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks likely made this trade with an eye towards the future. They were not in contention during the 2020 season and could afford to take a flyer on a young player like Simon. Simon played just one game for the Diamondbacks’ organization in 2020.
Analysis of the Trade
On the surface, this trade seems relatively even. The Cubs got a left-handed reliever to bolster their bullpen, while the Diamondbacks acquired a young player to potentially develop in their system. However, context is crucial when evaluating trades.
The Cubs were in win-now mode during the 2020 season and needed immediate help. Chafin provided that help, pitching effectively in the limited time he had with the team. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, were not in a position to compete during the 2020 season and could afford to take a flyer on a young player like Simon.
Overall, this trade was a solid move for both teams. The Cubs got the bullpen help they needed, while the Diamondbacks received a low-risk acquisition for the future.
Andrew Chafin’s Performance with the Cubs
Andrew Chafin was traded to the Chicago Cubs on August 31, 2020, the trade deadline of the shortened season, in exchange for Ronny Simon. The Cubs were looking for a left-handed reliever to bolster their bullpen for their playoff run. Chafin, who had been with the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2014, was having a solid season with a 5.06 ERA in 21 games before the trade.
Chafin’s Statistics with the Cubs
Chafin pitched to a 3.00 ERA in 4 games with the Cubs to finish the year. In 3 innings of work, he allowed only 1 earned run, 1 walk, and struck out 4 batters. He gave up 3 hits, but none of them were extra-base hits.
Chafin’s performance was consistent with what he had been doing for the Diamondbacks earlier in the year. He was efficient and effective in his limited time with the Cubs.
Contribution to the Cubs’ 2020 Season
The Cubs had a solid bullpen in 2020, but their left-handed options were limited. Chafin provided a much-needed arm from the left side of the mound.
Although he only pitched in 4 games for the Cubs, Chafin was impactful on the Cubs’ playoff push. He pitched in two high-leverage situations, both times against the Cincinnati Reds, and got the job done.
The Cubs won both games. Chafin also pitched a clean inning in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, showing that he could handle lower-pressure situations as well. The Cubs would go on to win the National League Central division, but they were swept in the Wild Card round by the Miami Marlins.
Comparison with his Performance with the Diamondbacks
Chafin’s performance with the Cubs was on par with what he had been doing for the Diamondbacks before the trade. He finished the year with a combined 2.06 ERA in 25 games, all of them relief appearances. He allowed only 6 earned runs in 26.1 innings of work, while striking out 23 batters and walking only 7.
His WHIP was only 1.01, indicating that he was not putting too many runners on base. Chafin had a career-high strikeout rate of 23.4% and a career-best walk rate of 5.4%. He was also inducing more ground balls than he ever had before. His performance was a good sign for him, as he is a free agent after the 2020 season.
In conclusion, Chafin’s short stint with the Cubs was successful. He provided an extra left-handed arm for their playoff push and proved that he can handle high-leverage situations.
His performance with the Cubs was consistent with what he had been doing for the Diamondbacks earlier in the year, indicating that he was not a fluke. Chafin is a reliable left-handed reliever, and he should have no trouble finding a team in free agency.
Ronny Simon’s Background and Performance
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Impact of the Trade on Both Teams
How the trade affected the Cubs and the Diamondbacks:
The trade of Braden Chafin to the Chicago Cubs had a significant impact on both teams. For the Cubs, the addition of a left-handed reliever provided a much-needed boost to their pitching staff. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, lost a valuable asset and did not receive a high-profile return in exchange, which prompted criticism from fans and analysts.
Analysis of the Cubs’ season with Chafin:
Chafin’s arrival in Chicago proved to be a smart move by the Cubs. He appeared in only four games for the team, but his impact was felt immediately.
Chafin’s ability to get left-handed batters out was key for the Cubs, as they lacked a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. Chafin pitched to a 3.00 ERA with Chicago, striking out four batters in three innings pitched. Despite missing out on the playoffs, the Cubs’ bullpen showed notable improvement with Chafin’s addition.
Implications of the trade for the future of both teams:
The trade of Chafin to the Cubs had different implications for both teams. For the Cubs, Chafin could potentially return as a free agent as he impressed in his brief stint. His presence could shore up the bullpen that has seen key players leave in recent years.
For the Diamondbacks, the trade could be seen as an opportunity to acquire a much-needed piece in Ronny Simon. Simon could develop into a formidable piece in their farm system and ultimately improve their big league roster. Nonetheless, they would have preferred trading him for a prospect of higher caliber considering Chafin’s impact for the Cubs.
In conclusion, while both the Cubs and Diamondbacks may have different perspectives surrounding the trade, it was ultimately an important move for both teams. The Cubs significantly improved their bullpen with Chafin’s arrival while the Diamondbacks continue their quest to bolster their farm system. The future implications for both teams will be something that many will keep an eye on.
Who Did the Cubs Get in the Off Season?
Jameson Taillon joins the Cubs rotation.
The Cubs signed Taillon to a four-year, $68 million deal, hoping the 30-year-old right-hander can bolster their pitching staff. Taillon had a solid season with the Yankees in 2022, and the Cubs are counting on him to continue his success in Chicago.
Alexander Colome provides bullpen depth.
Colome signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Cubs, bringing his experience as a closer to their bullpen. The 33-year-old right-hander had 11 saves last year with the Twins and should help the Cubs in late-game situations.
Yoenis Cespedes returns on minor league deal.
The Cubs added some outfield depth by signing Cespedes to a minor-league contract. The 36-year-old slugger hasn’t played in the majors since 2018, but if he can stay healthy, he could provide some pop off the bench for the Cubs.
Zach Davies traded to Tigers for prospects.
The Cubs parted ways with Davies in a trade with the Tigers, receiving two minor-league prospects in return. Davies had a disappointing season in 2022, posting a 5.31 ERA over 33 starts, and the Cubs decided to move on from the 28-year-old righty.
Cubs retain key players with qualifying offers.
The Cubs made qualifying offers to several key players, including Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javy Baez. While none of the players accepted the offers, it showed that the Cubs are still committed to retaining their talented core as they look to contend in 2023 and beyond.
Who Did the Cubs Get in the Trade With the White Sox?
The Cubs acquired pitcher Jose Quintana from the White Sox. Quintana has been regarded as one of the top left-handed starters in the game. He owns a career 3.51 ERA and has averaged over 200 innings per season since 2013.
In exchange for Quintana, the Cubs had to give up a package of top prospects. The key piece going to the White Sox is outfielder Eloy Jimenez, who was ranked as the Cubs’ top prospect. Jimenez has an impressive power bat and excellent plate discipline.
Also going to the White Sox is right-handed pitching prospect Dylan Cease. Cease has a high-velocity fastball and has shown good strikeout numbers in the minor leagues. The Cubs also gave up two other lower-level prospects as part of the deal.
Overall, the trade could be a major boost for the Cubs’ starting rotation as they look to contend for another World Series championship.
How Did Cubs Acquire Hayden Wesneski?
The Trade Deadline Deal
Hayden Wesneski was acquired by the Cubs organization at the trade deadline in a deal involving Scott Effross.
Surprise Trading
The trade was a surprise for Wesneski, but he had a feeling it might happen due to discussions with his agent.
Yankees Prospect
Before joining the Cubs, Wesneski was a pitching prospect for the New York Yankees.
Pitching Ability
Wesneski’s pitching ability and potential caught the attention of the Cubs, who saw him as a promising addition to their organization.
Promising Prospect
Wesneski is currently ranked as the Cubs’ No. 12 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and is seen as a promising player for the team’s future.
To Recap
The Cubs traded Ronny Simon to acquire Andrew Chafin from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2020 season. Chafin proved to be a valuable addition to the team’s bullpen, and his performance helped the Cubs secure a playoff berth.
Although the Cubs’ playoff run was short-lived, Andrew Chafin’s impact on the team was undeniable. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Chafin and the Cubs’ bullpen, but this trade was undoubtedly a crucial move for the team in the short term.
