Report: Cubs have asked Blue Jays about Ken Giles

In need of bullpen help, the Chicago Cubs have apparently inquired about the availability of Blue Jays closer Ken Giles, per a recent report.

According to Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM and 670 The Score (who spoke with Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez), the Chicago Cubs have asked the Blue Jays about the availability of closer Ken Giles.

Previously, Levine had speculated that the Cubs could look to trade for Giles should he be made available by the Blue Jays at some point this season. At this point, no other reports have linked Giles to the Cubs.

Giles, 28, has been more or less unhittable so far this season, pitching to an ERA of 1.47 in 18.1 innings, racking up nine saves and striking out 28 while walking just five.

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With a FIP of 1.59 and an xFIP of 2.82, Giles currently ranks ninth in the American League among relievers in strikeouts, fifth in saves, 15th in K/9, and 19th in K/BB.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, and a former member of the Houston Astros, Giles is currently 22nd among active players in saves and 23rd in games finished.

With two years of control remaining (including the 2019 season), the native of Albuquerque, New Mexico could be a valuable trade chip, should the Blue Jays decide to shop him, though there’s been no indication from the front office or management that they are, or will be, inclined to do so.

Along with Tim Mayza, Daniel Hudson, Sam Gaviglio, Joe Biagini, and the recently designated Javy Guerra, Giles has spearheaded a surprisingly dominant piecemeal bullpen that has pitched to an ERA of 3.27, the fifth best in baseball and the fourth best in the AL.

Giles has been worth a WAR of 0.9 and is currently fourth on the team in that department, according to Baseball Reference.