Cubs Reliever Gets Hot At Right Time ... to be Dealt?

The Chicago Cubs are trying to figure out if they’ll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. If they become sellers, there is one particular Cubs reliever that might draw interest.

MLB.com put together a list of eight potential trade chips that have gotten hot of late and might interest other teams. Cubs reliever Julian Merryweather made the list.

The right-hander was a fifth-round pick in 2014 by Cleveland and made his way to Chicago this season after three years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

With Toronto, he went 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA in 47 games, including five starts as an opener. The Cubs claimed Merryweather off waivers in January after the Blue Jays designated him for assignment.

It’s turned out to be a wise investment, as MLB.com explains:

Following a rough April, Merryweather has been very effective recently, posting a 1.32 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old is under club control for three more years, but just as the Cubs dealt Scott Effross a year ago, Chicago could take advantage of the relief market if Merryweather continues to pitch well.

This is turning into a watershed season of sorts for the 31-year-old. Through his first 26 appearances he’s 1-0 with a 3.76 ERA, the latter of which would be a career low for him in a season. He’s struck out 36 and walked 12, and while he’s allowed as many hits (26) as innings pitched, he’s only given up 11 runs.

For Merryweather to be dealt, the Cubs have to figure out if they’re a contender or now. But if it comes down to making a move at the deadline, his make-up could draw the interest of contenders.