Key Highlights

• The New York Yankees acquire reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs.
• Cubs receive infielder Ben Cowles and right-handed reliever Jack Neely in the trade.
• Mark Leiter Jr. has a 4.21 ERA in 36.1 innings this season with the Cubs.
• Leiter’s minimal salary is attractive to the Yankees, given their competitive balance tax situation.

(NicePlay Sports) – The New York Yankees have made a strategic move just before the 2024 MLB trade deadline by acquiring reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs. This transaction sees the Yankees bolster their bullpen with a seasoned pitcher, while the Cubs receive promising infielder Ben Cowles and right-handed reliever Jack Neely in return. Leiter, at 33, brings with him experience and a respectable 4.21 ERA for the current season. Having spent the last three years with the Cubs, Leiter’s performance has been notable, especially considering his previous struggles with injuries and team placements. His trajectory from a late-bloomer to a reliable reliever showcases his resilience and skill, making him a valuable asset for the Yankees. This trade reflects the Yankees’ win-now mentality, while the Cubs continue to balance their present and future needs.

Mark Leiter Jr.’s Journey to the Yankees

Mark Leiter Jr. has had an eventful career leading up to his acquisition by the Yankees. Known for his late-blooming trajectory, Leiter initially made it to the major leagues in 2017 but struggled in his early years. With a 5.53 ERA over 114 innings by the end of 2018, his performance left much to be desired. The following years saw him undergo Tommy John surgery in 2019, sidelining him for an extended period and leading to challenges in securing MLB opportunities.

In 2021, Leiter signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers, yet did not receive a call-up to the majors. His fortunes changed with the Chicago Cubs in 2022, where a minor league deal turned into a big league opportunity by mid-April. During his time with the Cubs, Leiter pitched 65 2/3 innings with a 3.99 ERA, striking out 25.9% of batters faced and maintaining a ground ball rate of 48.9%.

Despite his solid performance, Leiter was designated for assignment in January 2023 after exhausting his final option year. Remarkably, none of the other 29 clubs picked him off waivers, leading him to elect free agency before re-signing with the Cubs on a minor league deal. This resilience and determination culminated in a return to the Cubs’ roster and a key role in their bullpen. Over the span of 100 2/3 innings starting from 2023, Leiter has maintained a 3.75 ERA, 30.9% strikeout rate, and continued solid walk and ground ball rates.

The Trade Details and Implications

The trade sees the Yankees sending two promising prospects, Ben Cowles and Jack Neely, to the Cubs. Neely, a right-handed reliever, has been impressive in the minor leagues with a 2.75 ERA and a 38.8% strikeout rate over 160 1/3 innings. His 2023 season between Double-A and Triple-A has been equally noteworthy, with a 2.81 ERA and a 36% strikeout rate. Baseball America ranks him as the #20 prospect in the Yankees’ system.

Ben Cowles, an infielder, has also shown significant potential. His .294/.376/.472 batting line in 88 Double-A games this year indicates he’s 41% better than league average, as reflected by a strong 141 wRC+. With strong walk and strikeout rates of 10.3% and 17.7% respectively, along with 14 steals, Cowles has been a versatile and valuable player. Both Neely and Cowles are Rule 5 eligible this winter, which presented a looming decision for the Yankees regarding their 40-man roster. By trading these prospects, the Yankees have not only bolstered their bullpen but also managed their roster decisions effectively.

Leiter’s Impact and Yankees’ Strategy

Mark Leiter Jr.’s addition to the Yankees comes at a crucial time as the team aims to strengthen their bullpen for a playoff push. Leiter’s current season statistics, including a 4.21 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 36.1 innings, highlight his capability as a reliable reliever. His background, including a baseball lineage with his father, Mark Leiter Sr., and uncle, Al Leiter, who both had notable MLB careers, adds to his storied presence in the league.

Leiter’s performance metrics, such as a 34.9% strikeout rate and a 50.6% ground ball rate, suggest he has been more effective than his ERA indicates. Advanced metrics like a 2.11 FIP and 2.42 SIERA support the argument that he has been a valuable pitcher whose stats may improve with a change of scenery to the Yankees. Furthermore, Leiter’s minimal salary of $1.5 million is a strategic fit for the Yankees, especially considering their competitive balance tax situation. By securing Leiter, the Yankees have made a calculated move to enhance their bullpen without significant financial implications.

Cubs’ Perspective and Future Outlook

For the Chicago Cubs, this trade aligns with their broader strategy of balancing present and future needs. With president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer emphasizing a focus on “2025 and beyond,” the Cubs have made moves that reflect this vision. The acquisition of players like Isaac Paredes from the Rays and Nate Pearson from the Blue Jays, who both have multiple years of control, showcases the Cubs’ intent to build a competitive team for the future.

Trading Mark Leiter Jr., despite his effectiveness, fits within this framework. Given Leiter’s age and the Cubs’ future-focused agenda, moving him for prospects like Cowles and Neely makes sense. Both prospects bring potential and will be valuable additions as the Cubs look to develop their talent pool. Neely’s strong strikeout capabilities and Cowles’ versatility and offensive potential make them intriguing additions to the Cubs’ system.

This trade also highlights the Cubs’ strategic approach to managing their roster and farm system. By acquiring prospects who are on the verge of Rule 5 eligibility, the Cubs can make informed decisions about their future roster compositions. This proactive approach ensures that the Cubs are well-positioned to build a competitive team while managing their assets effectively.