Cubs Add Nationals’ Brandon Kintzler To The Mix

The Cubs added to their bullpen Tuesday, adding acquiring reliever Brandon Kintzler in a trade with the Nationals.

Missing closer Brandon Morrow due to injury, the Cubs added the 33-year-old righthander for the stretch run, giving them another veteran piece to complement arms such as Pedro Strop and Steve Cishek.

In return, the Nationals received 23-year-old righthander Jhon Romero.

 

 

CUBS ACQUIRE:

Brandon Kintzler, RHP
Age: 33

In Morrow’s absence, Kintzler gives the Cubs another righthander with closing experience. The righthander tallied 28 saves for the Twins last season before the Nationals traded for him at last year’s deadline. Kintzler has 31 strikeouts to 13 walks in 42.2 innings this season, posting a 3.59 ERA. His main offering is a low- to mid-90s sinker, which he throws 75 percent of the time, complementing it with a firm changeup and hard slider. He is a free agent after the 2018 season.

NATIONALS ACQUIRE:

Jhon Romero, RHP
Age: 23

Romero has put up solid numbers at high Class A Myrtle Beach, where he is 1-2, 3.27 with nine saves and 57 strikeouts to 17 walks in 44 innings. Not one of the Cubs’ Top 30 Prospects, Romero has some upside as a reliever. He works 92-95 mph with his fastball, although he doesn’t generate much movement on the pitch. He pairs it with a fringy slider that he’ll need to improve as he works up the ladder.