The Cubs have enough outfield depth in their organization to withstand Lake’s loss and should shore up their bullpen for the pennant race. Hunter will be a free agent at the end of the season.
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Billy Pierce, a seven-time All-Star pitcher who played in two World Series and retired after spending most of his 18 years in the majors with the Chicago White Sox, has died at the age of 88. He has a career 4.28 ERA since debuting with Texas in 2008. Haren should be able to provide the Cubs with innings, which is what they need out of their fifth starter to help save their overused bullpen. Sound familiar? The Cubs have poached former struggling Orioles pitchers Pedro Strop and Jake Arrieta in mid-season deals, and those have worked out well for the Cubs.
If Junior Lake ever becomes a big league star, it won’t be with the Cubs. That comes after he had back-to-back seasons of an ERA below 3.00 in 2013 and 2014.
Hunter has appeared in 39 games for the Orioles this year, with a 3.63 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 44⅔ innings with 11 walks and 32 strikeouts.
Soto is a 25-year-old utility infield prospect at Double-A with strong fielding abilities but little to no pop in his bat.
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Keeping Baez gives the Cubs options, which would have been reduced had they unloaded him before he realized his potential. 246 with the Cubs in 57 at-bats earlier in the season.
