Cubs Acquiring RP Taylor Rogers from Pirates

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are acquiring lefty reliever Taylor Rogers from the Pirates. The return is reportedly hulking outfielder Ivan Brethowr, who showed flashes during spring training. Rogers was only with the Bucs for about a day after being sent from the Reds as part of the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade on Wednesday. Taylor and twin brother Tyler, a righty submariner, were both moved in trades on Wednesday, as a matter of fact.

The newest Cubs reliever has a 2.45 ERA across 33 innings in 40 appearances, which would make you think he’s a lefty specialist. However, he’s faced two more right-handed batters this season and is actually pitching to reverse splits in terms of wOBA. He works with a simple repertoire that includes a 93 mph sinker and a 78 mph sweeper, leveraging a low arm slot to work east-west.

Rogers is in the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal signed with the Giants in 2023.