Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs have traded infielder Tommy La Stella to the Angels for a player to be named later or cash. This comes one day before the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players.
This trade is also happening a day after the Cubs acquired infielder Ronald Torreyes from the Yankees.
The Cubs have traded INF/PH Tommy La Stella to the Angels for a player to be named later or cash considerations. 40-man roster back to 39.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) November 29, 2018
La Stella was a great bat off the bench for the Cubs, who traded for him before 2015 from the Braves. In 2018, La Stella set a franchise record for most pinch hits in a season.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
La Stella, who set a Cubs single-season record with 24 pinch hits last season, is eligible for arb and was a non-tender candidate for Chicago. Deal comes day after Cubs acquired utility infielder Ronald Torreyes from Yankees.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) November 29, 2018
La Stella was projected to make $1.2 million in 2019.
So, I guess this means that Torres is currently one of the infield backups for the major league roster. He has more versatility than La Stella, being able to play three positions. And I guess David Bote is now in a great spot to be a lock for the 25-man roster. Currently anyway.
You certainly hope the Cubs make a bigger move to get better in the infield, though, as once again Ben Zobrist is your primary second baseman and he’s in the final year of his contract at age 38.
