In what was a trade that was a foregone conclusion, the Detroit Tigers have traded closer Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila to the Chicago Cubs for minor league infielder Jeimer Candelario and another minor league infielder Isaac Paredes.  In addition to the two minor leaguers’ the Tigers will also receive cash or a player to be named later.

The defending champion Cubs have a 2.5 game lead over the surprising Milwaukee Brewers currently, but have struggled mightily with their bullpen and were looking for a catcher after trading away the clubhouse cancer that is known as Miguel Montero.

Justin Wilson came to the Tigers in 2015, when he was acquired from the New York Yankees for Luis Cessa and Chad Green.  Wilson had his ups and downs last year, but came out strong to start the season and took over for Francisco Rodriguez as the closer after K-Rod looked like he was throwing BP to the other team.  Since taking over as the closer, Wilson has a 3.65 ERA, a .205 average against, with 29 K’s, and 11 saves, blowing 2 saves in 13 chances.

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