The Chicago Cubs have reportedly acquired veteran reliever Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners. In exchange, they are dealing (among others) power-hitting prospect Dan Vogelbach.
Compared to other moves that might happen, this certainly isn’t sexy. Still, in a hypothetical playoff series against a team like the Washington Nationals, this trade could have a huge impact.
If Montgomery is called on to retire tough lefties like Daniel Murphy or Bryce Harper, this trade looks like a blockbuster.
A 27-year-old lefty, Montgomery was having a career season for Seattle prior to the deal. In 32 appearances, he posted a 2.34 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
A former starter, Montgomery acted more like a long man for the Mariners, as evidenced by the 61.2 innings he’s thrown thus far this season.
This likely won’t impact Chicago’s reported pursuit of a late-inning arm. Though, it does add more riches to what has to be considered one of the best pitching staffs in the game.
Seattle did pick up a gem in Vogelbach. The 23-year-old first baseman entered this season as Chicago’s 20th-ranked prospect — no small accomplishment considering how strong the organization’s farm system is.
He was also having a monster season for Triple-A Iowa at the time of the deal. In 305 at-bats, he’s slashing at an inflated .318/.425/.548 with 16 homers and 64 RBI. It stands to reason that he fits into the Mariners short and long-term future.
Also reportedly heading to Seattle in the deal is Double-A starter Paul Blackburn.