Chicago Cubs land RHP Ryan Zeferjahn in trade with Los Angeles Angels

The Chicago Cubs made it known that they wanted to acquire no less than three pitchers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. They either wanted two starters and a reliever, or two relievers on a starter. As it turns out, they got the former.

On Sunday night, Chicago acquired two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. Then, on Monday, they landed the oft-injured Braxton Garrett, a right-handed starter, from the Miami Marlins.

Finally, with the deadline just two hours away, they have added the reliever they wanted.

The Chicago Cubs acquire Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels

Shortly after the news of Garrett’s acquisition was announced, it was reported that Chicago also acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels:

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 3, 2026

Of course, the Angels pitcher that every Cubs fan wanted was Reid Detmers. However, Zerferjahn is a great get for Chicago.

He is not going to hit free agency until 2031, and is not even arbitration eligible until 2028.

So far this season, Zeferjahn is 4-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 45 appearances. He also has four saves.

For his career, he is 10-8 with a 3.94 ERA and six saves.

In order to Zeferjahn, who has so many more years of club control remaining, the Cubs sent Moises Ballensteros to Los Angeles. While he started the year on the Major League roster, Ballensteros was demoted to Triple-A Iowa where he could get more regular at-bats and develop as a catcher and first baseman.

Apparently, Chicago did not like what they saw from him after his demotion and are now ready to send their recent top prospect out of town.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs acquire Kevin Gausman from Blue Jays
• Cubs likely will not trade 2 coveted bats amid pitching needs
• Cubs trade Jameson Taillon to the Blue Jays

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