This offseason, it doesn’t take much to have a story leap to the top of the Cubs’ news heap. Sunday’s story was that the Cubs and Padres might be in discussions regarding David Bote going to San Diego, potentially for a relief pitcher. I’m as bad as a source for how good a Padres reliever will do in a leverage spot in Wrigley. I’ve probably watched fewer than five at-bats against Kirby Yates in the last three years. Perhaps that’s the reason I lean against a Bote-plus for Yates trade.
Whenever pitchers like Yates are discussed in trade talks, I check to see what the response was when they were claimed on waivers.