Update 1:21am CST, Dec. 7 – According to Marc Topkin, talks between the Cubs and Rays involve Javier Baez in exchange for pitching. Topkin said does not know how far the discussions have progressed. Baez is the type of player that would be of interest to the Rays. Talks could include Jake McGee and/or Brad Boxberger or the Rays’ starting pitching depth … Drew Smyly, Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Cubs and Rays “have some matchups” and those discussions could include reliever Jake McGee.
The 29-year old lefty is under club control for two more seasons. McGee is arbitration eligible in 2016.
Jake McGee pitched in only 39 games this past year and was 1-2 with a 2.41 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. McGee allowed 11 runs, 10 earned, on 27 hits with eight walks and 48 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings.
During Joe Maddon’s last season in Tampa, McGee was 5-2 in 73 appearances with 19 saves, a 1.89 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.
McGee owns a 21-11 record over six big league seasons with a 2.77 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. McGee has allowed 192 hits with 72 walks and 319 strikeouts in 259 2/3 innings. McGee has held left-handed hitters to a .224/.268/.348 line over his career while limiting right-handed hitters to a .190/.256/.280 slash line.
Jake McGee started the year on the disabled list recovering from left elbow surgery in December 2014. McGee was activated from the 15-day DL on May 15. McGee spent time on the DL at the end of the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee (Aug. 20-Sept. 26).
The Cubs are believed to be looking for late-inning relievers. The Rays have reportedly made Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger available for the right price.
The Cubs and Rays are not on the best terms. The Rays’ front office and ownership are still upset with the Cubs and Theo Epstein for Joe Maddon leaving Tampa and signing the five-year contract in October 2014. The issues the Rays have with the Cubs are not expected to impact their working relationship and making trades that both teams feel will make their organizations better in the long run.
Update 11:10pm CST – According to Chris Cotillo, the Cubs were in on Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger at the deadline and could revisit those discussions this week.
• Jake McGee’s Page on Baseball-Reference