Reports: Cubs nearing trade with Tigers for Wilson, Avila
The Chicago Cubs were finalzing a trade with the Detroit Tigers late Sunday night, a deal that would land them left-handed reliever Justin Wilson and veteran catcher Alex Avila.
Multiple reports and sources said the deal was nearing completion as Sunday turned to Monday. The nonwaiver trading deadline is 3 p.m. Monday. The Cubs did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Physical exams need to be finalized before teams officially announce trades.
The Cubs would send third-base prospect Jeimer Candelario, who has played at the big-league level and who is at Class AAA Iowa, and another player to Detroit. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Cubs also would send minor-league infielder Isaac Paredes to the Tigers.
Wilson, 29, is 3-4 with a 2.68 ERA, 13 saves and a WHIP of 0.94. He would slide in as a left-handed setup man to closer Wade Davis and possibly replace Davis next year if Davis leaves via free agency.
Avila, 30, has played in 76 games and has a line of .271/.392/.472 with 11 homers and 32 RBI. He would back up Willson Contreras and give them the veteran backup they have not had since Miguel Montero was traded to Toronto earlier this month.