"The Chicago Cubs added pitchers Michael Soroko and Andrew Kittredge at the trade deadline," Bassett wrote. Soroko hasn't been the same player since missing back-to-back seasons because of an achilles injury, and the Cubs probably gave up too much to acquire him. The Cubs also traded for Willi Castro."

Andy McCullough of The Athletic (subscription required) recently gave the Cubs a solid grade of a ‘B’ for their addition of relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge to the bullpen. He noted the team's relief ERA (3.90) sitting middle of the pack at 15 out of 30 teams, but their 1.0 fWAR being 25th of 30.

They made their first maneuver to address that part of the roster Wednesday night by acquiring right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals, the team announced. The Cubs sent two prospects in the deal, outfielder Christian Franklin and infielder Ronny Cruz.