Say It Ain't So

Lots of trade rumors involving the Cubs and KC reliever Wade Davis.  Not to take anything from Davis and his abilities when healthy, but there are at least three reasons to question the wisdom of the deal.

First off, Davis was hurt and DLed a couple of times last year with forearm issues.  Not nearly as good when activated later in the year.  Big risk factor.

Second, Davis is another rental.  He will be a free agent in 2017.

Third, you have to consider the price.  Is he worth a potential star slugger like Soler for a year's service.  Granted Soler is blocked mainly by Jason Heyward, but in some respects you wonder why, as Heyward, while a great defender, was a complete bust last year at the plate  Soler, on the other hand, in limited play, hit 12 homers, which projects out to 25 or more over the course of a full season.  He is still, at worst, an attractive platoon in either corner outfield spot.

Anyway, although closer is still not the greatest team weakness, my feeling is a player in his contract year is not worth a major chip like Soler.  A lesser prospect, sure.  Even Torres for Chapman last year was a big price, although it worked out well, more from a psychological point of view than consistently dominant results.