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Trade Details
WHITE SOX, CUBS DO ANOTHER DEAL! Friday, July 30, 2021
The Chicago White Sox acquired pitcher Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs for second baseman Nick Madrigal and pitcher Codi Heuer.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox?
These are strange times! The two Chicago rivals have now made two deals in two days! After the White Sox acquired Ryan Tepera yesterday, they now land Cubs closer Kimbrel...even though they already have a solid closer in Liam Hendriks. This deal could be more about keeping Kimbrel away from an AL rival than anything else. Expect Kimbrel to be used as a co-closer with Hendriks down the stretch.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs?
After the acquisition of Cesar Hernandez from Cleveland, the White Sox felt comfortable moving on from Madrigal (who will miss the rest of the season). He should return in 2022 and become the Cubs' main second sacker and leadoff man. He is a great addition to the team. Heuer will help replace the departed Kimbrel (and also Tepera) in the Cubs bullpen. Overall, this is a great deal for the Cubbies.
Fantasy Impact
Madrigal may have had to move on from the White Sox anyway, since Hernandez is now on the South side. So, the move should help his 2022 value. Heuer also moves to a potentially great situation on the North side. He may be worth picking up down the stretch in very deep leagues. As for Kimbrel, the time to sell high on his stock is NOW!
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