AP PHOTO/CARLOS OSORIO
Per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Detroit Tigers have traded lefty closer Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor leaguers Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes as well as cash and/or a player to be named later.
Wilson, 29, has gone 3-4 with a 2.68 ERA, 3.22 FIP, and 0.942 WHIP so far this season. In 40.1 innings he has struck out 55, walked 16, and recorded 13 saves. His 12.3 K/9 is the highest of any full season in his career. He is not due to be a free agent until after 2018.
Avila, 30, is having his best season since his lone All Star appearance back in 2011. He is currently slashing .271/.392/.472 with 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and a 2.1 WAR.
The centerpiece return for the Tigers, Candelario, is a 23-year-old third baseman currently in Triple-A. The switch-hitter has slashed .266/.361/.507 in 81 minor league games this season, slugging 12 home runs and driving in 52. He was the top prospect in the Cubs’ system, but with Kris Bryant cemented at third base he was roadblocked.
