Reliever Michael Rucker was dealt by the Chicago Cubs to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash. Rucker was assigned last week in order to free up a 40-man roster slot for Hector Neris.
Rucker (2023) pitched 35 games for the Cubs with an ERA of 4.91. When it came to him deciphering it, the 4.84 FIP did not disappoint.
Having made his big league debut in 2021, this will be his fourth season there. His career-best season in 2022, with 54 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.95 ERA, was achieved. 50 strikeouts was a career best for him as well.
Because of their thin bullpen, the Phillies benefit from any moves made at this stage of the winter. Rucker is still an arm with Major League experience, which they need even if he does not play well.
This offseason, Chicago has made changes to their bullpen, most notably adding Neris. After pitching 68 1/3 innings with a 1.71 ERA in 2023, he is considered as one of the best bullpen arms in baseball.
The Cubs hope to have a fixed bullpen, which will make this trade possible.
Leave a Reply