Chicago Cubs Trade Promising Reliever to Philadelphia Phillies

The Chicago Cubs have shipped one of their relievers to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Chicago Cubs have traded reliever Michael Rucker to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations. Rucker was designated for assignment last week to clear a 40-man spot for Hector Neris.

Rucker, 29 years old, posted a 4.91 ERA in 35 games for the Cubs in 2023. The 4.84 FIP did not leave much to be desired in terms of him figuring it out.

This will be his fourth big league season after debuting in 2021. His 2022 season was the best of his career, posting a 3.95 ERA in 54 2/3 innings pitched. He had 50 strikeouts, too, a career high.

The Phillies bullpen is shallow and any move at this point in the offseason helps them. Even if Rucker does not perform well, he is still an arm with Major League experience, something they need. 

Chicago has made moves to their bullpen this offseason, most notably Neris. He is regarded as one of the top bullpen arms in baseball after tossing 68 1/3 innings and a 1.71 ERA in 2023.

For the Cubs, they look to have a set bullpen, allowing this move to happen.

An additional move for a hitter is expected, but they should be more than fine when it comes to their rotation and bullpen.

The move for an offensive player is expected to be Cody Bellinger. With the added bullpen and rotation moves this offseason, bulking up the offense is a must. As currently constructed, Chicago does not have enough to compete against the other top teams due to their lineup. 

Adding Bellinger and someone like Matt Chapman can completely fix that as they head into 2024.