Headlines

  • Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians
  • Fernando Tatis Jr. To Begin Rehab Assignment
  • Rockies Claim Dinelson Lamet, Designate Ashton Goudeau
  • Cubs Release Andrelton Simmons
  • Alex Kirilloff To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
  • Guardians Designate Franmil Reyes For Assignment
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Cubs, Dodgers Swap Chris Martin For Zach McKinstry

By Steve Adams | July 30, 2022 at 1:45pm CDT

The Dodgers have made one of the first bullpen pickups of note prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, announcing Saturday that they’ve acquired right-hander Chris Martin from the Cubs in exchange for infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry.

Chris Martin

Martin, 36, is playing the 2022 season on a one-year, $2.5MM contract he signed as a free agent this winter. His deal comes with $750K worth of  incentives, paid out in the form of a $100K bonus for reaching each of 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 appearances, plus $125K for spending 40 and 90 days on the active roster.

Martin has already appeared in 34 games and logged 31 1/3 innings of 4.31 ERA ball this season, although fielding-independent metrics are far more bullish (3.02 FIP, 2.09 SIERA). Martin has been uncharacteristically homer-prone this year but has maintained his elite command of the strike zone. He’s punched out 30.1% of his opponents thus far and walked just four of the 133 batters he’s faced (3.1%). One of those free passes was of the intentional variety, it should be noted, and Martin has also yet to hit a batter this season.

The towering 6’8″ Martin is one of the more notable overseas success stories in recent years. After a nondescript run with the Rockies and Yankees in 2014-15, he signed with Japan’s Nippon-Ham Fighters and tore through NPB lineups over a brilliant two-year stint there. He signed with the Rangers for the 2018 campaign and, after a pedestrian first season back in MLB has solidified himself as a quality late-inning reliever. Over the past four seasons, Martin touts a 3.46 ERA with a 26.5% strikeout rate and an impeccable 3% walk rate. Among the 431 pitchers who’ve thrown at least 100 big league innings in that time, Martin’s walk rate is the second-lowest in the game (narrowly trailing former teammate Josh Tomlin’s 2.9% mark).

Martin will give manager Dave Roberts some reinforcement in what’s been a generally strong but also very injury-plagued relief corps. Dodgers relievers rank sixth in the Majors with s 3.37 ERA, but they’ve lost Daniel Hudson for the season (torn ACL), aren’t clear when Blake Treinen (shoulder) will return, and also have each of Brusdar Graterol, Victor Gonzalez and Tommy Kahnle on the injured list at present.

Zach McKinstry

In return for their one-year investment in Martin, the Cubs will acquire as many as five additional seasons of control over the 27-year-old McKinstry, who made his debut with the 2020 Dodgers and has been an up-and-down utility option in L.A. since that time. A lefty hitter with experience at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots (albeit just 18 innings in center), McKinstry has posted just a .210/.266/.403 batting line in the big leagues. That’s come in a tiny sample of 193 plate appearances, however, and he’s been outstanding during his time at the Triple-A level.

McKinstry, a former 33rd-round pick, has logged 489 plate appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City in parts of three seasons and put together a huge .323/.401/.550. The Pacific Coast League is a known hitters’ haven, but McKinstry has nonetheless been well above league-average on a rate basis and racked up an impressive 18 home runs, 25 doubles and nine triples there. He’s fanned in just 15.7% of his plate appearances and walked at a 10.8% clip as well.

While McKinstry likely profiles more as a utility player than a starter at the big league level, there’s at least a chance he could hit enough to be a regular at second base — his best defensive position. If not, he’ll give the Cubs someone to bounce around the diamond as a valuable role player for the foreseeable future. McKinstry will be out of minor league options next season, so he should receive ample opportunity sooner than later.

ESPN’s Buster Olney first reported that Martin had been traded to the Dodgers (Twitter link). Patrick Mooney of The Athletic first reported that McKinstry was headed to the Cubs in return (Twitter link).

Share 0 Retweet 14 Send via email0

Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Dodgers Newsstand Transactions Chris Martin Zach McKinstry

Trevor Story Has Hairline Fracture In Wrist
Main
Marlins Designate Jimmy Yacabonis For Assignment
View Comments (162)

Comments

  1. Ƭ̵̬̊ Player Formly Known As MousecopƬ̵̬̊

    1 week ago

    Hopefully cubs get a decent return.

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      1 week ago

      Didn’t you hear what the Rockies said? There are no decent returns!

      Reply
      • MuleorAstroMule

        1 week ago

        “Why is everyone low-balling our ineptly run franchise?”

        Reply
    • The Natural

      1 week ago

      Cubs get Zach Mckinstry

      Reply
      • The Natural

        1 week ago

        .903 ops in AAA this year in 223 plate appearances

        Reply
      • semut

        1 week ago

        Daaaaaaaaamn that’s a pretty good return for Chicago. As recently as a year or so ago mckinstry was going to be the next big thing for LA

        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          Well, he was going to be the next Kiké Hernandez, so that depends on whether you think he is a big thing.

        • semut

          1 week ago

          His bat potential faaaaar exceeded that of Hernandez though. He was our #2(?) prospect at one time

        • Mike Piazza Pie

          1 week ago

          I don’t recall anyone labeling the 33rd round pick as the next big thing but the dodgers always loved his versatility and attitude. Left handed hitter who can move all around the diamond, and is still pre-arb eligible. Good pick up for the cubs for a 36 year old RP with 1.5 years of control left.
          Dodgers have Alvarez, Amaya (RHB), and Busch at AAA who can offer similar profiles.
          I think both teams will get what they need out of the trade and be happy with the outcome.

        • Mikel Grady

          1 week ago

          That’s what it’s all about . Both teams happy they trade with again

        • semut

          1 week ago

          Ok fair enough. I guess I must have just had him higher in my own mind. As I look back on previous rankings he wasn’t as high as I was remembering.

        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          Greater potential, less reality. I wonder which one is more important? Hernandez is also better and more versatile defensively. He defends well everywhere he’s played, and you can’t say the same about McKinstry.

        • vtadave

          1 week ago

          He was never LA’s #2 prospect.

        • semut

          1 week ago

          Yeah, thus the question mark

      • rememberthecoop

        1 week ago

        Hasn’t hit so far in a small sample MLB run but a good return for a reliever. As a former 33rd round pick though, not many of those guys ever pan out.

        Reply
  2. Ƭ̵̬̊ Player Formly Known As MousecopƬ̵̬̊

    1 week ago

    Djmdmdmdm

    Reply
    • Ƭ̵̬̊ Player Formly Known As MousecopƬ̵̬̊

      1 week ago

      Sorry about this comment. It took 3 mins just to post the first one

      Reply
      • semut

        1 week ago

        3 minutes and that’s the best you came up with??

        Reply
        • Ƭ̵̬̊ Player Formly Known As MousecopƬ̵̬̊

          1 week ago

          Yes. I refresh about 5 or 6 times and there was still nothing. Sorry and Scheisse

  3. Adampunk13

    1 week ago

    I want to see a plethora of trades

    Reply
    • Larry Brown's crank

      1 week ago

      Adam….do you even know what a plethora is? I mean…..I just dont want someone to tell me I have a plethora, if they don’t know what a plethora is!!

      Reply
      • Gwynning

        1 week ago

        Reminds me of when Iron Mike said he was going to hit somebody in his equilibrium.

        Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        1 week ago

        How about a veritable plethora? We grow them in our back yard.

        Reply
      • CommentsSectionCommenter

        1 week ago

        “Would you say that I have a…plethora of sweaters?”

        Name the movie.

        Reply
        • Gwynning

          1 week ago

          El Guapo makes us all look bad!

        • Bluesman99026

          1 week ago

          Would you say I had a plethora……three amigos..bwaaaaaa…..el guapo

        • Larry Brown's crank

          1 week ago

          Gwynn……I knew you’d get it!

        • Gwynning

          1 week ago

          Put this in the “never thought I’d say this” rolodex… but all thanks go to Larry Brown’s crank!

        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          1 week ago

          NOTIFY THE PRESS! Oh my, this will not keep me awake…

        • CommentsSectionCommenter

          1 week ago

          @Gwynning

          MIssed this yesterday, but WELL DONE, mi amigo.

        • CommentsSectionCommenter

          1 week ago

          @Bluesman99026

          Day late, but +1000 thumbs for you.

        • Gwynning

          1 week ago

          Sounds like a plethora of thumbs up!

        • Larry Brown's crank

          1 week ago

          Gwynn! hahahahahahaha‼️

  4. cardsfanboy

    1 week ago

    Solid addition

    Reply
  5. rxbrgr

    1 week ago

    He’s a good reliever

    Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      I don’t know anything about him. But his career 4.10 and his 2022 era of 4.31 has me nervous already. Sounds like kimbrel part 2

      Reply
      • rxbrgr

        1 week ago

        Don’t look at ERA.

        Reply
      • BigFred

        1 week ago

        Pretty much anybody is better than Kimbrel these days.

        Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        1 week ago

        I sincerely hope his ERA shoots up to 20 with the Dodgers.

        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          We love your sincerity.

  6. candymaldonado

    1 week ago

    For some reason I can’t explain, I knew the Dodgers would call his name.

    Reply
    • The Natural

      1 week ago

      He can now hook back up with Gwyneth Paltrow in LA

      Reply
      • mils100

        1 week ago

        When you have Dakota Johnson as.your girlfriend, you can quickly forget about everybpdy else.

        Reply
        • semut

          1 week ago

          I don’t know if I’d want a girlfriend who the entire planet has seen nude countless times

        • CALgoldenBears

          1 week ago

          Hard to be snobby with a 10 gf

  7. candymaldonado

    1 week ago

    For some reason I can’t explain I knew the Dodgers would call his name

    Reply
  8. futuregm12

    1 week ago

    I find it funny that we get our baseball news from twitter nowadays.

    Reply
  9. jeffsueu

    1 week ago

    Sooner have the Coldplay guy

    Reply
  10. Dorothy_Mantooth

    1 week ago

    Cubs will get a nominal return at best for a 36 year old reliever with an ERA over 4.00. Martin’s strikeout and walk numbers have been excellent but he’s allowing 1.4 HRs per 9 this year which has really hurt him. Maybe the Cubs get a prospect in the 20-30 range of the Dodgers farm system. Shouldn’t be much more than that.

    Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 week ago

      I would expect the Dodgers ball park to be more forgiving than Wriggly Field

      Reply
    • The Natural

      1 week ago

      Agree.

      Reply
    • socalbum

      1 week ago

      More likely that the Cubs give the Dodgers a prospect to take Martin and his remaining salary

      Reply
      • myaccount2

        1 week ago

        @socal- That was never likely lol

        Reply
    • gcg27

      1 week ago

      Cubs got a steal and major salary relief avoiding Martins bonuses and Dodgers gave up useful player but he wasn’t going to get playing time with Dodgers and would just be a throw in guy with a bigger deal so Cubs save money and a potential useful player for years to come and Dodgers get a potentially useful arm to help out with injuries if they can’t get a bigger deal done for bullpen.. No downside for either and possibly very useful player for a rebuilding Cubs team

      Reply
      • CJML

        1 week ago

        Martin is making 2.5 million. That’s like 7 beers at wrigley.

        Reply
  11. FredMcGriff for the HOF

    1 week ago

    Whew. At least the Braves didn’t trade for the big man again. Usually he was decent but he gets absolutely clobbered occasionally.

    Reply
    • the kutch

      1 week ago

      Me thinks you’ve described 95% of relief pitchers there, Fred…

      Reply
    • the kutch

      1 week ago

      Me thinks you’ve described 95% of all relief pitchers there, Fred…

      Reply
    • RunDMC

      1 week ago

      Hope LAD allow him to pitch a decisive game…we know how that goes (2020 NLCS G7).

      Reply
      • tstats

        1 week ago

        I mean now he won’t need to face Cody

        Reply
  12. Y2KAK

    1 week ago

    Good bullpen piece, also good singer as well

    Reply
  13. a761506

    1 week ago

    Why would the Dodgers want him when there are so many better relief options available for virtually same cost??? I am perplexed.

    Reply
    • Fred

      1 week ago

      “Same cost” there have been no reports on the reported “costs”

      Reply
    • mils100

      1 week ago

      Because he has been really good of late, has a consistent track record of being a solid reliver, throws strikes and you know what to expect from him. There is no Aug waiver deadline so this gives solid depth and protects in caase of more injuries. Also, not like he is going to cost much.

      Reply
      • BRUINBLUW

        1 week ago

        his era 6.50 in the month of July. Thursday against the Giants snapped a string of 4 straight appearances of him allowing at least one run.

        Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      Cost hasn’t been reported. Hopefully it’s just “cash considerations” lol

      Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      Ok yeah now I’m with you after seeing they sent mckinstry in the deal. This Martin guy better be better than his era

      Reply
    • mlbdodgerfan2015

      1 week ago

      Dodgers don’t pay up for relievers for the most part. They were looking for a reliever at a reasonable cost. The elite relievers are going to command too much in return. Dodgers don’t want to take up much salary unless worth it or give up too many prospects especially for a reliever. I’m fine with this acquisition. McKinstry will most likely not produce much at MLB level although he hasn’t had much of a chance. He’s versatile but the glove is suspect and hasn’t hit much at MLB level.

      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        1 week ago

        They pay up plenty, but a lot of it goes to long shots who we see little if at all (Kahnle, Nelson, Duffy). They also paid up pretty good for Treinen, Hudson, and Kimbrel.

        Reply
  14. Tacoshells

    1 week ago

    Wow !!! Good move. One area they needed help was bullpen. His peripherals are amazing. Tradez seasonz

    Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      I don’t know anything about him. But I looked up his numbers and career ERA is over 4, and season era is 4.31

      Hopefully those peripherals are REALLY good

      Reply
      • windycitykid89

        1 week ago

        31% K rate this season, along with a 3% BB rate. I’d say that’s pretty good?

        Reply
        • semut

          1 week ago

          Ok that’s better than the quick glance at his era like I did. But wow mckinstry is a hefty price. Hopefully this guy stays true to his peripheral numbers

        • socalbum

          1 week ago

          .296 BAA; .393 BABIP — he gets hit frequently

        • semut

          1 week ago

          He also has struck out around 33% of the 100&something batters he faced while walking only 4 (one being an ibb). Sounds like most of his troubles this season has been the longball. Hopefully pitching in LA instead of Chicago will help some of that

        • mlbdodgerfan2015

          1 week ago

          McKinstry is not that good. He had one year worth of great production at AAA. That’s it. Hasn’t shown much at MLB and suspect glove.

      • The Natural

        1 week ago

        They are good..his SIERa is like 2.09

        Reply
  15. windycitykid89

    1 week ago

    Cubs beat reporter is saying Zach McKinstry heading to Chicago in return for Chris Martin

    Reply
    • socalbum

      1 week ago

      Then a good trade by Cubs — McKinstry just needs a chance to play consistently — a very good utility player

      Reply
    • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

      1 week ago

      Does he have an option remaining after this winter?

      Reply
      • windycitykid89

        1 week ago

        I don’t believe so. Lol

        Reply
      • rondon

        1 week ago

        One option.

        Reply
    • larry48

      1 week ago

      Wait and see what the Dodgers do to maximize Martin and he becomes a great reliever. Dodgers don’t sign or trade for a pitcher unless they already have a plan to help maximize him. Good luck to Martin and Mckinstry.

      Reply
  16. bravesfan

    1 week ago

    He’ll get a phantom injury the min the moment is too big for him

    Reply
  17. dgrfns52

    1 week ago

    glad to see Zach get a chance to play….

    Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      1 week ago

      He’s had quite a few chances to play but hasn’t hit in majors or shown the defensive versatility the Dodgers prize.

      Reply
      • semut

        1 week ago

        He’s had chances to play in very small inconsistent clips. 2 games here, sent down for two weeks to make room on the 40, gets called back up when someone gets hurt but doesn’t start, usually ph or pr. Then he’ll start for 4 or 5, get sent back down, etc

        Reply
      • socalbum

        1 week ago

        In 2021 he slashed .296/.328/.556 in first month of season until right oblique injury put him on the IL for 5 or 6 weeks. Never the same hitter when he returned. He has done very well at AAA, but no consistent at bats for Dodgers this season.

        Reply
        • bigjonliljon

          1 week ago

          And he is out of options after this year. Dodgers would have lost him for nothing after this year, so they at least got a good RP for him.

        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          One month, really? You know how it works, Players who come up and adjust get the consistent ABs and stay up, or at least come back up more frequently. When you see the Dodgers pick up guys like Jake Lamb and Hanser Alberto, you have to know the original plan isn’t really working out they way they hoped.

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          Lamb has been awesome, wish we would extend him today on the cheap

        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          I don’t know if I’d go as far as awesome, but he’s been a solid fill-in. But remember Lamb was a dumpster dive that has worked out, at least so far.

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          Great pedigree, great approach, strong front shoulder that gives him great exit velo/drive

          I said 3 months ago teams should be raiding us for Jake Lamb who has looked awesome at the plate for the whole calendar year in Blue whatever the league he has been in. He’s a MLB starter next year somewhere on a strong side platoon; I think your underestimating the player and maybe not completely aware of his pedigree with the DD comment

      • fox471 Dave

        1 week ago

        Not that many, particularly this year.

        Reply
      • BRUINBLUW

        1 week ago

        “He’s had quite a few chances to play”

        He’s been called up since June 3. He’s had 2 starts since then. 12 at bats for the entire year so far.

        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          Many call-ups over three seasons. He’s gotten fewer chances this year because the Dodgers figure they get more out of Alberto and Lamb. Which, they do.

        • rondon

          1 week ago

          A guy who’s hit over .330 over an extended time in Triple A is worth taking a shot on. Seems like a perfect change of scenery player to me.

        • flamingbagofpoop

          1 week ago

          He has a total of 193 MLB plate appearances, how do you describe that as, “quite a few chances to play”?

        • BlueSkies_LA

          1 week ago

          You’re asking me to answer the same question a second time?

  18. Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

    1 week ago

    Is McKinstry out of options after this year, or does he have one more? I guess he is better than Simmons.

    Reply
    • Datashark

      1 week ago

      yep call up and down reached their max with him plus he just was not working out on MLB level like they hoped.

      Reply
  19. Steve Rogers

    1 week ago

    It was a salary dump by the Cubs. Martin was hot and cold with no future on the Cubs. Doubt if Zach McKinstry sticks with a .091 ba. Nothing for nothing gets you nothing.

    Reply
    • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

      1 week ago

      He probably goes to Iowa for now, but if Happ gets traded he could get a fair run in LF along with Nelson Velasquez, plus he’d be backing up Hoerner and Madrigal. My guess is that he will get 90 PA in Chicago in August and September.

      Reply
      • Dogbone

        1 week ago

        Madrigal is not ever, going to be the prime time 2B for the Cubs.

        Reply
      • northsidecrossrifles

        1 week ago

        McKinstry comes with 5 more years of control, was a solid prospect for the LAD, has dominated the upper levels of the minors, and plays all over the diamond. He just never got consistent PAs in LA. How is that a bad return or even comparable to “nothing getting you nothing”

        Reply
    • flamingbagofpoop

      1 week ago

      You’re about as clueless as Chris Evans, solid name choice.

      Reply
  20. halloffamernobodycares

    1 week ago

    this is the fairest comment section i’ve ever read. No one going sideways. No one ripping anyone. These are odd times.

    Reply
    • Cap & Crunch

      1 week ago

      They don’t know enough about the players at hand to rip

      Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 week ago

      Not too loud, the hooligans are at the city gate just waiting to pounce…

      Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      Listen, punk..

      Reply
    • Sideline Redwine

      1 week ago

      Sorry, didn’t know strong opinions are verboten on…a discussion board.

      Reply
      • semut

        1 week ago

        ?? No one said they were. He just pointed out that this particular comment section was more civil than this site usually sees

        Reply
  21. bassmaster

    1 week ago

    zach hit like a witch his first time up and never got that going again. good luck in Chicago….and it was all yellow

    Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      But in his defense he was never really given a consistent shot when he (finally) came back after that oblique. He hit almost .300 until that point

      Reply
  22. Eric Olson 2

    1 week ago

    A gofundme account has been set up for Zach McKinstry. Who is struggling with both his bat and the fact that he has to report to the Cubs who are on a another 100 year quest to win a World Series. Keep the faith, Zach McKinstry!

    Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      Yeah, you posted this like three times already

      Reply
  23. Eric Olson 2

    1 week ago

    A gofundme account has been set up for Zach McKinstry. Who is struggling with the fact that he has to report to the Cubs who are on a another 100 year quest to win a World Series. Keep the faith, Zach McKinstry!

    Reply
  24. Cap & Crunch

    1 week ago

    Nice trade for Lad-

    Lad had to ship out a 40 man spot not just some low level prospects . I wouldn’t be surprised if Zach asked for this on the low, he’s had some small beefs in the past with not getting enough run

    Martins been very good for spells in the past- Dodgers love the low BB% Rp’s as their defensive alignment is best in the game

    Bigger Note- Happy to see Castillo move to Sea, just holding my breath we don’t get near a Juan Soto deal – Keep the prospects the Il is loaded with help coming soon

    Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      Absolutely agree. We don’t need Soto nearly as much as we need that constant stream that our farm produces for both on-field help & trade packages

      Reply
      • Cap & Crunch

        1 week ago

        I’m a touch scared Semut; Hoping for the quietest offseason ever

        We really don’t have the 40 spots to take in many players – I was thinking 3 players max (hopefully 2 Rps and an inns eater) .

        Probably have to jettison another “40” player like Victor Gonzalez/Bickford as well if we make further moves – The crunch they are going to face here by the end of August will be tough, best get ahead of it today

        Reply
    • BRUINBLUW

      1 week ago

      great post. Walks are the one thing that there is no defense against.

      Reply
  25. dodgersfan445

    1 week ago

    Mckinstry is a good return for the cubs, but not an overpay. Has potential to be a starter for them after they move more pieces. If they get competitive in a few years could be a decent bench bat

    Reply
    • Mike Piazza Pie

      1 week ago

      I agree.
      McKinstry also went to HS in Indiana and college in Michigan so sending him to the Midwest might be a preferred destination. He’ll get more run in Chicago than on other teams, while not being a threat to the Dodgers in October. Those might not be considerations from LA but this trade seems like a match on a few different levels.

      Reply
  26. Eric Olson 2

    1 week ago

    A go fund me account has been set up for Zach MckKinstry.

    Zach has to report to the Cubs who are in the midst of a 100 year old quest for a World Series ring.

    Reply
    • Sphinxter

      1 week ago

      Were you in a coma in 2016?

      Reply
    • CJML

      1 week ago

      If you post it 6 more times it might get a laugh.

      Reply
      • tigergreg

        1 week ago

        No, still bad then too

        Reply
      • Sphinxter

        1 week ago

        It is funny but not the way Eric Olson thinks it is. It’s always funny when people like him try desperately to be clever but only succeed in making pathetic fools of themselves due to their own ignorance.

        Reply
  27. Cap & Crunch

    1 week ago

    I wonder who we will see in the 4th bn spot till Taylor gets back….maybe Outman ?

    Reply
    • Echopark

      1 week ago

      Alvarez?

      Reply
    • semut

      1 week ago

      They just called Outman up about 3 minutes after you said that

      Reply
      • Cap & Crunch

        1 week ago

        He seems the nearest (w/out messing w service time)

        Sept is when we could get a look at Vargas or Busch

        I really hope we don’t get another bat as well via trade . I’m perfectly fine with a bn of Barnes Thompson Lamb and Alberto once Taylor comes back. I don’t see much need to upgrade Alberto who’s been great for team chemistry and challenging Ohtani for best 2 way player in the game with his 3 era !

        Reply
        • BRUINBLUW

          1 week ago

          Dont forget about Rios. He’s already on a rehab assignment. His bat plays.

        • Mike Piazza Pie

          1 week ago

          Good call cap.
          I’ve come around on Alberto, he is a good cheerleader and hearing about how he plays rock, paper, scissors with young fans for autographed baseballs won me over. His attitude seems like an 80 grade tool on the 20-80 scale.

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          I felt we have missed Kiki’s attitude years past ; Alberto has given some of that back

        • semut

          1 week ago

          I’ve come to really like Alberto. There was a game recently where they were saying that over the last few seasons he’s quietly been one of the best bats against lefties, going something like .306 against them

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          Good call Bruin; I lost him in the shuffle as well ; he’d be a Sept expanded for me and a luxury to see who’s hotter between him and Lamb for the playoffs

        • BRUINBLUW

          1 week ago

          Right now, based on what I’ve seen this season so far, Rios is ahead of Muncy on my list. Now, if Muncy of old returns it is a different story.

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          Yea, I mean playoffs start tomorrow Roberts is slotting Lamb in before Max. I’ll be excited to see Rios back as well; he really needs to learn to hit the off-speed tho as he’s gearing on never seeing a fastball again as his tape is getting out

          The lead will give Sept a battleground internally for the playoff abs and some much needed rest for the Big 4 hitters – The Sept roster is going to be insane

          We got some pseudo DL trips coming here from the pitchers who need to cut down inns – Prolly try and avoid the 2 east coast trips if possible at the end of this month. That’s where I feel an inns eater like Chad Kuhl could come in handy

        • Cap & Crunch

          1 week ago

          He slaughtered lefties in Balt

          Numbers haven’t really been there this year but it’s tough on so little pt

  28. Echopark

    1 week ago

    McKinstry is a good get for a few months of Chris Martin. The way the Dodgers are structured, McKinstry is the odd man out. But, I think he is an underrated player – and has a great attitude. Cubs fans will have fun rooting for him. I’m actually most glad for McKinstry, who deserves a chance to play more and was not likely to get that chance win LA.

    Dodgers obviously needed bullpen reinforcements – so Chris Martin is a good get. Could be a very underrated move when all is said and done.

    Reply
  29. ResignSwanson

    1 week ago

    Calling it right now, Martin will give up a crucial homerun to somebody in the postseason. Bad move for the Dodgers.

    Reply
    • BleedingBlue162232

      1 week ago

      The Dodgers didn’t get Martin to pitch in high-leverage postseason situations. If all else fails, by September you’ll see a lot more of Phillips, Vesia and Ferguson in the high leverage situations — all of whom are very capable in those situations and have better “stuff” than Martin. They got Martin to help prevent the potential high-leverage relievers from being worn out come October.

      Reply
  30. BRUINBLUW

    1 week ago

    Cubs fans are going to love McKinstry. Ross is going to love his versatility.

    I am happy for Zach to finally get a chance to get more consistent playing time.

    I am also happy for Martin to get a chance to play in games that matter. Couple that with a batter defense behind him, it is possible he could be a solid addition to the bully.

    I do wonder if there is a more significant issue with Graterol and Kahnle that the Dodgers are not sharing with us.

    Reply
    • Cap & Crunch

      1 week ago

      Versatility is nice but he’s really a below avg fielder at every position he plays

      Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      1 week ago

      Poor man’s Leury Garcia

      Reply
  31. Sideline Redwine

    1 week ago

    Lol typical Cubs trade. Asset for nothing

    Reply
    • Capi

      1 week ago

      And if the tables were turned you’d be trolling about how the Cubs traded a young utility asset for a washed out 36 yr old reliever with a 4+ ERA.

      Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      1 week ago

      And your chics for free

      Reply
  32. taran7

    1 week ago

    The Dodgers fix pitchers.

    Reply
    • Mike Piazza Pie

      1 week ago

      And hitters. The production they’ve gotten out of Jake Lamb and Trayce Thompson is insane. Hopefully they continue to perform like Muncy and Taylor, two other cast-offs.

      Reply
  33. AaronSapoznik

    1 week ago

    It’s possible that super versatile Zach McKinstry could make oft-injured 2B Nick Madrigal expendable with the Cubs. Mckinstry’s best defensive position is 2B although he has the versatility to play all over the infield and outfield. McKinstry might also have the ceiling of former Ray, Royal and Cub Ben Zobrist as an everyday super-utility type player, a role Nico Hoerner could also potentially fill.

    As a fan of both Chicago teams, I wouldn’t mind seeing Madrigal return to the White Sox if McKinstry nails down the Cubs 2B gig. Madrigal is set to return to the Cubs active roster shortly after his second 2022 injury and third rehab stint at AAA Iowa.

    It will be interesting to see how the Cubs divide playing time down the stretch with Hoerner and the versatile Christopher Morel and David Bote also logging significant innings. The addition of McKinstry and Madrigal will add to the glut if all could stay healthy. Of course, there is still the matter of the August 2nd trade deadline looming which could potentially free up two active roster spots with OF Ian Happ and 3B Patrick Wisdom potential being moved.

    Reply
    • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

      1 week ago

      McKinstry is reporting to Iowa. Madrigal is the starting 2B when he comes back (probably in St. Louis) and he will take Contreras’ 26 man spot. The Cubs have to trade, option, or DFA one more hitter for McKinstry to have a spot on the 26 man. Probably trade Happ, maybe trade Wisdom or DFA Schwindel.

      Reply
    • MrStomper 2

      1 week ago

      McKinistry isn’t good. The Dodgers would have played him more if he was good.

      Reply
      • metsfanina22

        1 week ago

        Not necessarily. The dodgers lineup is stacked and their throw aways could be a valuable piece for a team like Chicago

        Reply
      • fox471 Dave

        1 week ago

        Wrong.

        Reply
  34. jdan74

    1 week ago

    I wrote a song……I wrote a song for him…..and it was all yellow.

    Reply
    • AaronSapoznik

      1 week ago

      ‘Mellow Yellow’?

      Reply
      • goob

        1 week ago

        Then go get Donovan Solano?

        Reply
  35. dodgerfan

    1 week ago

    Zach has a lot of potential…good luck in Chicago

    Reply
  36. justme

    1 week ago

    Fair enough trade both ways..wonder if this is a prelude to cubs future trades…zach is a plug and play guy they can use all over the diamond…so if they sell off a bunch of assests they have someone to fill holes for the rest of the year..with hope he will live up to some of his potential

    Reply
  37. Dumpster Divin Theo

    1 week ago

    Coldplay

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians

    Fernando Tatis Jr. To Begin Rehab Assignment

    Rockies Claim Dinelson Lamet, Designate Ashton Goudeau

    Cubs Release Andrelton Simmons

    Alex Kirilloff To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

    Guardians Designate Franmil Reyes For Assignment

    Justin Verlander Reaches 130 Innings Pitched, Vests 2023 Player Option

    Red Sox Release Jackie Bradley Jr.

    Phillies Release Didi Gregorius

    Vin Scully Passes Away

    Padres Acquire Juan Soto, Josh Bell; C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Luke Voit Among Six Players Back To Nationals

    Braves To Acquire Raisel Iglesias

    Red Sox Acquire Eric Hosmer

    Blue Jays Acquire Whit Merrifield

    Yankees, Cardinals Swap Jordan Montgomery For Harrison Bader

    Mets To Acquire Mychal Givens

    Phillies Acquire Noah Syndergaard

    Twins Acquire Michael Fulmer From Tigers

    Mariners To Acquire Matthew Boyd

    Padres To Acquire Brandon Drury

    Recent

    Reds Planning To Select T.J. Zeuch

    Injury Notes: Gore, Bryant, Flaherty, Twins

    Dodgers Claim Rylan Bannon From Orioles

    Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians

    Latest On Kevin Kiermaier

    Orioles Notes: Santander, Vavra, Odor, Farm System

    Twins Release Tyler Duffey

    Pirates Release Yoshi Tsutsugo

    Braves Option Ian Anderson

    Yankees Notes: Skubal, Peraza, Dietrich

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Cubs Decline To Trade Contreras, Happ
    • Giants Keep Rodon, Pederson
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • MLB Player Chats
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version