The New York Yankees have acquired reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for prospects Ben Cowles and Jack Neely. The 33-year-old reliever’s Chicago stint lasted three years, and he will join his fourth team. He joins a Yankees side that has struggled in the recent summer days and is looking for more relief pitching. The Yankees top the AL Wild Card and are a half-game back from the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East lead. On a historical note, Mark’s dad pitched for the Yankees. Mark is also the nephew of Al Leiter, a former Met and Yankee.
New York Yankees Spotlight
After the Yankees led the AL by a good margin, their struggle puts them right back into a tight race with the up-and-coming Orioles. The Yankees rank sixth in reliever ERA but have deemed to bolster the relief corps with a trade. Leiter, a righty who throws with finesse, has posted a 4.21 ERA and 1.101 WHIP in 2024 for Chicago. The fastball average for Leiter only reaches 91.2 MPH, but that isn’t his strong suit. His split-finger, sweeper, and curveball add major value towards his stock. His ERA may be 4.21, but advanced statistics has his xERA at 2.61, the 96th percentile. The Bronx Bombers look to tap from expected to reality, with a trade for a rental reliever.
Chicago Cubs Spotlight
The Cubs put a stamp on the start of the frenzy, with a trade for Rays All-Star and third baseman Isaac Paredes. Although the Cubs lost hometown favorite Christopher Morel, the Craig Counsell-led clubhouse indicated to be buyers in a sellers market. However, a trade of Leiter for two prospects may take the train off the rails. The Cubs sit 51–57, the fourth-worst record in the NL, but are only six games back of a wild card spot. In a tight NL Central race, Chicago can make a sparked run for the wild card but need more help than they may be able to receive.
More Trade Deadline Coverage:
Josh Walker from Mets to Pirates; Yusei Kikuchi from Blue Jays to Astros; Jorge Soler, Luke Jackson from Giants to Braves; Jalen Beeks from Rockies to Pirates; Justin Turner from Blue Jays to Mariners
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