Cubs are already browsing the trade market for bullpen help

CHICAGO (670 The Score) – External help for a struggling Cubs bullpen may still be a couple months away, but president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is already browsing the trade market in an effort to shore up the late innings.

Specifically, Hoyer recently acknowledged that he has had discussions with the woeful Marlins, who traded infielder Luis Arraez to the Padres last weekend. While the timing of that deal so early in the season was eye-opening, Hoyer didn’t apply any big-picture significance to it.

“I don’t expect that to kick off a ton of deals,” Hoyer said.

Even so, Hoyer will remain on the phone lines. Beyond the Marlins, the White Sox and Rockies are two other teams that could be willing to make deals sooner than usual. That’s because those three teams are the three worst in MLB, with winning percentages hovering between .243 and .263 as of Friday morning.

"We will be open to anything to set us up for future success,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said. “The deadline is a date that stirs up a lot of transactions, but it doesn't mean that deals can't be done (now) if it makes sense for both clubs. Teams are willing to move forward with deals when it makes sense to look to fill needs.”

White Sox reliever Michael Kopech could soon be a trade target for opposing teams, and the Cubs have the type of prospects – notably outfielders – who could help their crosstown foe’s rebuild move forward. In moving to the bullpen this season after previously being a starter, the hard-throwing Kopech has posted a 3.66 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 17 appearances. Kopech is under contract control through 2025. He’s making $3 million this season.

The Marlins have a prime trade candidate in closer Tanner Scott, who has a 2.57 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 15 appearances. He’s making $5.7 million in 2024 and is set to hit free agency this offseason.

The Athletics have the best young closer in the game right now in 25-year-old Mason Miller, who has a 1.10 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this season. Given his talent and that he’s under club control through 2029, he’d bring back a big haul if Oakland were to trade him. Interested suitors have been calling about Miller, but no team has come close to matching the Athletics’ steep price, The Athletic recently reported.

Pirates closer David Bednar could also be a name to watch on the trade front. He’s off to a poor start this season but had a strong 2023 campaign, when he had a 2.00 ERA and a National League-high 39 saves. The Cubs talked to the Pirates extensively about Bednar last July leading up to the trade deadline. Bednar is making $4.15 million in 2024 and is under club control through 2026.

For now, the Cubs will have to continue to search for internal solutions to fortify their bullpen, which has a 4.64 ERA, which ranks 22nd in MLB.

"There is a long way to go,” Hoyer said. “Obviously, we will be looking for external stuff. But that type of player is generally not available this time of year. So our focus is getting our guys well and improving guys who might be struggling.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .