The Chicago Cubs had seven days to trade, waive, or release Garrett Cooper after designating him for assignment this past week (making room for Matt Mervis). Because Cooper is a good Major League player, it’s not necessarily a surprise that they were able to go the trade route.
Cooper is reportedly being dealt to the Red Sox:
I suspect that the Cubs knew all along that they could find a new home for Cooper, and maybe even knew specifically that the Red Sox would be that landing spot (recall, he was reportedly choosing between the Cubs and the Red Sox originally). With first baseman Triston Casas out for a while with a rib injury, Cooper is much needed.
No word yet on the return, but I would not expect it to be substantial. Maybe an interesting low-level flyer. For the Cubs, dropping the salary is probably the biggest benefit, given their projected proximity to the luxury tax.
As I type, here’s an indication that the return may indeed just be salary relief and cash:
Normally I would hate to see the Cubs give up value for cash, but they had to lose Cooper for roster reasons anyway (no options). And since his value in trade in April after just signing a minor league deal in March was never going to be all that significant, this is fine. Whatever. Just make sure you make that cash available in July.
Cotillo says there’s a chance Cooper is in Boston in time to play tomorrow night. Please no Revenge Game.