The Chicago Cubs announced on Twitter Monday that they acquired relief pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila from the Detroit Tigers for two prospects and cash or a player to be named later.
#Cubs have acquired C Alex Avila and LHP Justin Wilson for INFs Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and cash or PTBNL. pic.twitter.com/kB1XNyy39M
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 31, 2017
Wilson, one of the closers the Nationals were reportedly “in the mix” for as the trade deadline approaches, currently holds a 2.68 ERA and has converted 13 out of 15 save chances.
Avila gives the Cubs much needed depth as catcher. The 30-year-old is hitting .274 with 11 homers and 32 runs batted in.
For Wilson and Avila, the Cubs surrendered third baseman/first baseman Jeimer Candelario and shortstop Isaac Paredes, Chicago’s first and 10th-ranked prospects according to MLB.com, respectively.
Chicago will hope these new acquisitions can help them maintain their slim lead in the NL Central as they push for a World Series repeat.
• Josh Luckenbaugh can be reached at jluckenbaugh@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.