Cubs among teams that have checked in with Twins regarding bullpen help

The Chicago Cubs sit one-game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central after avoiding a sweep on Wednesday.

Chicago desperately needs pitching help, and while the team is focused on bringing in starting pitching, adding bullpen help is never a bad idea.

Major League Baseball writer/analyst Jon Morosi reported that the Cubs are among teams that have “checked in” with the Minnesota Twins regarding relief pitching.

“The Twins are not done making trades, after yesterday’s deal with the Tigers,” wrote Morosi on Tuesday in an X post. “The Cubs, Blue Jays and Dodgers have checked in on the Minnesota bullpen arms.”

There are two Twins relievers that have garnered a lot of attention and can drastically improve a contender’s chances of a deep playoff run: Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán.

Jax pitched on Wednesday in a blowout loss to the Boston Red Sox and didn’t record an out. He allowed three runs on three hits.

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Though Jax didn’t perform well, he has been reliable in his career. Jax, 30, is 1-5 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.28 ERA in 50 appearances this season.

Durán, 27, is the top closer available at the trade deadline. He is 6-4 with a 2.01 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 49 appearances this season and has converted 16 saves in 18 opportunities.

The Twins have a lot of quality players who may be moved in the next two days, and at least one of Jax or Durán is expected to be moved to a contender.

Though Daniel Palencia has looked stellar in the Cubs’ bullpen, adding another reliever is a great idea.

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