Cubs acquire Brandon Kintzler in trade with Nationals

The Chicago Cubs may have missed out on Brad Ziegler, but they secured another relief pitcher before the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.

The Cubs have acquired Brandon Kintzler in a trade with the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals are not complete sellers this deadline, but given their disappointing 52-53 record, they have been open to dealing some of their players. Kintzler has been a part of a deep but underperforming bullpen, and the Nats obviously felt they could trade him without losing much.

The 33-year-old has a 3.59 ERA in 42.2 innings this season. He is making $5 million this season and has a complex option for 2019.

The Cubs had been looking for additional bullpen help and believe Kintzler fits the bill. They have also added pitchers Jesse Chavez and Cole Hamels in the last week.