Cubs

NEWS: Cubs Acquire INF/OF José Martínez from Rays

The Cubs add another bat for their playoff push in the shortened 2020 season.

by
Ron Luce
August 30, 2020

Photo: MLB Trade Rumors

On Sunday morning, ahead of the Cubs’ series finale with the Reds, the Cubs pulled the trigger on a trade and acquired OF José Martínez from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cubs will send up to two players to be named later or cash considerations.

The #Cubs today acquired INF/OF José Martínez from the Rays for a player to be named or cash consideration as well as a player to be named or cash consideration.

Catcher Josh Phegley was designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/s1QSl6A4xI
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 30, 2020

As noted above, C Josh Phegley was designated for assignment.

Martínez has been in the majors as a regular since 2017. The INF/OF debuted in 2016, playing 12 games for the Cardinals. He was traded from St. Louis to Tampa Bay this past offseason in the deal that sent prospect Matthew Liberatore to the Cardinals.

Martínez has a career slash line of .294/.361/.815 with 43 home runs and 182 RBI’s. This is a solid acquisition for the Cubs, as they add another solid bat who can hit for average and some power. Martínez also has success against lefties, which really helps the Cubs’ roster depth.