Cubs Trade RHP Chris Martin to Dodgers for INF Zach McKinstry
As first reported by Buster Olney, the Cubs have traded righty reliever Chris Martin to the Dodgers. Patrick Mooney added that the Cubs will receive infielder Zach McKinstry in return. Martin was the lowest-profile of the three members of the bullpen most likely to be moved prior to the deadline, largely because he’s had trouble staying healthy, but he’s pitched better than his 4.50 ERA and is only owed about $1 million for the remainder of the season.
The Dodgers have acquired Chris Martin from the Cubs.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2022
Source: The Cubs are receiving Zach McKinstry in the Chris Martin trade with the Dodgers.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 30, 2022
He walks very few batters and has nearly identical platoon splits, so he’s pretty versatile and can help LA down the stretch. One big drawback is that he’s allowed a .295 average to opposing hitters, though the odd combination of an inflated .383 BABIP and 54.1% grounder rate might mean he’s about to start getting much better results.
The 27-year-old McKinstry was a 2016 draft pick by the Dodgers and debuted in 2020, but has spent most of the last two seasons at Triple-A. He has logged just 14 MLB plate appearances in 10 games this season, though he has batted .335 with a .396 OPS in the minors. In parts of six minor league seasons, he has hit .278 with a .799 OPS and 41 homers.
Primarily a middle infielder, he can also handle third base and the corner outfield spots. Sounds like a guy the Cubs could use in a season that may not see them playing particularly competitive baseball.