The Detroit Tigers decided to make a late move, even amid the most uncertain trade deadline in MLB history.
Outfielder Cameron Maybin was traded to the Chicago Cubs just as the 4 p.m. trade deadline ceased Monday, a person with knowledge of the trade told the Free Press.
The Tigers received infielder Zack Short in return for Maybin.
[ Detroit Tigers make one trade at deadline, keep roster intact for playoff push ]
Short, 25, is ranked as the Cubs’ No. 21 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He was drafted in the 17th round (No. 524 overall) in 2016 from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.
In 41 games for Triple-A Iowa in 2019, he hit .211 with six home runs and 17 RBIs. He played six Rookie league games and 16 more in Double-A.
Based on comments general manager Al Avila made Thursday, it’s clear he thought his end of the deal was the right price for Maybin. Detroit is 16-16 with 28 games remaining in the shortened season, just two games out of the American League’s final playoff spot.
“Obviously there are some teams that are looking for pitching, as always,” general manager Al Avila said Thursday. “But in saying that, it’s hard to gauge how much a team is willing to give in this short period of time. Right now, it’s really uncertain.”
The Tigers have now traded Maybin three times in his 14-year MLB career — in 2007 to the Florida Marlins in a package for Miguel Cabrera, in 2016 to the Los Angeles Angels for Victor Alcantara and now again in 2020.
This is the only announced move the Tigers have made. Last year, Avila dealt right-handed closer Shane Greene to the Atlanta Braves for left-hander Joey Wentz and outfielder Travis Demeritte. He also traded Nicholas Castellanos (and cash considerations) to the Chicago Cubs for right-handers Paul Richan and Alex Lange.
Evan Petzold is a sports reporting intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. The Free Press has started a new digital subscription model. Here’s how you can gain access to our most exclusive Detroit Tigers content.