Cubs Trading RHP Cory Abbott to Giants

The Cubs are trading righty Cory Abbott to the Giants, an inevitable move that comes a few days after Abbott was designated for assignment. Named the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019, Abbott was shaky in 2021 as he worked with increased velocity. His strikeouts went up, but so did his walks and homers allowed as his command betrayed him.

He got a cup of coffee with the big club late in the season but put up forgettable numbers that may have had the club second-guessing his place in the future. That might actually have more to do with the group of pitchers coming up behind him than it did Abbott himself, but it’s telling that the Cubs were comfortable letting him go in order to roster Mark Leiter Jr.

I would not be at all surprised to see Abbott take off with the Giants, which is more about their pitching infrastructure than it is some weird superstition. Well, there might be a little stition involved. There’s no word yet on the return, though it’s probably a good guess that the Cubs are getting cash considerations and/or a PTBNL. More on the specifics as they become available.

Update: The Cubs will indeed be receiving cash in return.