Cubs Acquire LHP Braxton Garrett from Marlins for Jonathon Long, Jace Beck

The Cubs just picked up a possible lottery ticket in 29-year-old (on Wednesday) Braxton Garrett, the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 who started to round into form in 2022-23. He blew out his elbow in 2024, then missed all of last season. This year has been an adventure, with just two big league starts for just 4.1 innings. Garrett has struck out five with eight walks while allowing seven earned runs, so the Cubs must feel there’s a serious unlock.

He has a 2.90 ERA with almost a 3-to-1 K/BB ratio in 16 Triple-A appearances, but his 92 mph fastball conjures images of a crafty lefty. Sure enough, Garrett is more of a slider/sinker who also has a cutter that has gotten good results in the past. Though he’s under control via arbitration for two more years, being out of minor league options after this season means the Cubs have very little flexibility.

That seems like a big risk, but the Cubs gave up two prospects who needed to be placed on the 40-man this winter to avoid the Rule 5 Draft. Jonathon Long has been an almost guaranteed trade chip because he’s broken out at the plate these last two years with no spot in Chicago. Jace Beck is a 26-year-old righty in his second year back from UCL reconstruction, and he’s leveraged his 6-foot-9 frame for big strikeout numbers.

The issue for Beck as a pro is a very high walk rate that the Cubs were apparently not very willing to trust. This is a bit of a challenge trade in a way, as it features players who don’t have a whole lot of options. Garrett can at least provide some depth in the bullpen for the remainder of the season before battling for a roster spot next spring.