MLB Trade review: Cubs acquire Wilson, Avila from Tigers

            Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila has continued his sale, sending his own son, catcher Alex Avila and LHP Justin Wilson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for 3B Jeimer Candelario and SS Isaac Paredes, who are both prospects.

           After winning the World Series last year, the Cubs are once again looking for a deep playoff run. In Wilson, they get a solid left-handed reliever who has closing experience (this year). Also, they get a nice backup catcher in Avila. Both can contribute to the team a lot. Also, Avila is a rental, but Wilson is under team control through 2018.
        

            Wilson, 29, has a 2.68 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 13 saves and 55 strikeouts in 40.1 innings for the Tigers this year. In his six year MLB career for the Tigers, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates, Wilson has a 3.20 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 14 saves and 313 strikeouts in 298.1 innings.

            Avila, 30, has a .274 batting average, 11 homers and 32 RBIs in 264 Plate Appearances for the Tigers this year. In his nine year MLB career for the Tigers and Chicago White Sox, Avila has a .243 batting average, 84 homers, 325 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 2918 Plate Appearances.

            As rebuilders, the Tigers trade two veterans for two prospects. Also, Candelario was the Cubs number one prospect, and is the 92nd best prospect in all of baseball. Paredes was the Cubs 10th best prospect before the trade.

             Candelario, 23, was five for 33 (.152 batting average) with one homer and three RBIs this year in the majors. He\’s six for 50 (.136 batting average) in his MLB career, with that homer, three RBIs. In AAA this year, Candelario has a .266 batting average, 12 homers and 52 RBIs in 330 Plate Appearances.

            Paredes has a .264 batting average, seven homers, 49 RBIs and two steals in 384 Plate Appearances for Single-A South Bend. In his minor league career, Paredes has a .275 batting average, 8 homers, 75 RBIs and six stolen bases in 582 Plate Appearances.

            I think the Tigers win this trade. They get a big prospect in Candelario, and another prospect in Paredes with a high ceiling. They only give up a rental backup catcher and a solid reliever, so they win.