The big trade, as reported late last night, is now officially official: the Chicago Cubs today acquired left-handed pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila from the Detroit Tigers for infielders Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and a player to be named or cash consideration.
To open up a spot on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro has been designated for assignment, which means the Cubs will have seven days to trade, waive, or release Floro.
Because the Cubs don’t play until tomorrow, they don’t have to open up spots on the 25-man roster today, though it is expected that Justin Grimm and Victor Caratini will be optioned to AAA Iowa to make room for Wilson and Avila.
As for Floro, the 26-year-old righty has been up and down between the big leagues and the upper minors this year for the Cubs after they claimed him on waivers in the offseason. He has a 6.52 ERA and 5.53 FIP in 9.2 innings at the big league level. It’s possible he will clear waivers, and then head to AAA Iowa off of the 40-man roster. If he’s not returned to the 40-man roster by the end of the season, he will become a free agent.
In Wilson, the Cubs have added one of the more impactful relievers available on the trade market. In Avila, the Cubs have added a defensively-adequate, offensively-minded catcher who can spell Willson Contreras, and also offer significant lefty pop off the bench.