Cubs trade infielder Zach McKinstry for pitching prospect Carlos Guzman

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Mon Mar 27 16:21:11 GMT-05:00 2023

The Chicago Cubs announced Monday that they have traded infielder Zach McKinstry to the Detroit Tigers for righty pitcher Carlos Guzman.

For the Tigers, McKinstry provides a versatile infielder who has experience playing multiple positions. The 26-year-old made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and has since played in 95 games for them, hitting .228 with six home runs and 23 RBI. McKinstry can play second base, shortstop, and third base, which gives the Tigers some much-needed flexibility in their infield.

For the Cubs, he hit .206 (32-for-155) with six doubles, three triples, four home runs and 12 RBI in 47 games.

In return, the Cubs are getting a promising young pitcher in Carlos Guzman. The 24-year-old was signed by the Tigers as an international free agent in 2019.

In 2022, he posted a 4.11 ERA (49 ER/107.1 IP) in 27 games (23 starts) between High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie, striking out 90 against 34 walks. He spent a majority of the season with West Michigan, pitching to a 0.41 ERA (1 ER/22.0 IP) with a .372 opponent OPS in his final four outings, August 19-September 6, prior to his promotion to Erie.

Overall, this trade appears to be a win-win for both teams.

The Tigers get a versatile infielder who has shown flashes of potential at the Major League level, while the Cubs get a promising young pitcher who could develop into a key piece.

This trade means that Mastrobuoni will likely make the Opening Day roster.