Chicago Cubs & Detroit Tigers Complete Trade

The Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs completed a trade on Monday, with the Tigers acquiring utility player Zach McKinstry, and the Cubs receiving right-handed pitcher Carlos Guzman in exchange.

The #Cubs have traded Zach McKinstry to the Tigers for RHP Carlos Guzman, per @amartinez_11. pic.twitter.com/SMInwyvJNY

— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) March 27, 2023

McKinstry had struggled during the Cactus League games with a batting average of just .079 (3-for-38) and failed to secure a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster.

However, the Tigers saw value in his versatility and potential to play multiple positions, and as he had no more minor league options left, they plan to keep him on their Opening Day roster.

In contrast, Guzman had pitched three scoreless innings during the Grapefruit League games for the Tigers, but he has mostly spent his career in the minor leagues, with just 1.1 innings above High-A level.

The Cubs have traded Zach McKinstry to the Tigers for minor-league RHP Carlos Guzman. Spent most of his time at A+ last year.

— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) March 27, 2023

In the 2022 season, he had a 4.16 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 89/34 K/BB ratio while playing for High-A West Michigan.

The trade allows the Cubs to acquire a young pitcher while the Tigers bolster their positional depth with a versatile player.

In a corresponding move, the Tigers have placed right-handed pitcher Freddy Pacheco on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow sprain after recalling him from Triple-A Toledo.

For McKinstry's major-league career, the 27-year-old holds a .208/.269/.384 triple-slash line, with 12 home runs, 43 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 41 runs scored over 121 games played. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports