Report: A’s bolstering bullpen with trade for Cubs’ Chafin originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The A’s reportedly are close to upgrading their bullpen.
Oakland has agreed to acquire left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Chafin from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league outfielder Greg Deichmann and an unnamed player, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Monday night, citing sources. The trade is pending medical reviews of the players involved.
Chafin, 31, has posted a 2.06 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 39 1/3 innings in relief so far this season. He has a 24.7 percent strikeout rate, an 8.0 percent walk rate and a 50.0 percent ground-ball rate, all of which make him a strong addition to an A’s bullpen in need of one.
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Oakland relievers rank 10th in MLB in collective ERA (3.78), 12th in FIP (4.16) and 29th in combined strikeout percentage (20.6). Chafin should not only help address those areas, but will also provide the A’s with a second southpaw out of the ‘pen in addition to Jake Diekman.
The A’s are only on the hook for about $835K of Chafin’s remaining base salary. He also has a $5.25 million mutual option for next season.