Chicago Cubs Send Reliever to Mets in Friday Trade

The Chicago Cubs have traded a relief pitcher to the New York Mets on Friday ahead of their matchup with the San Diego Padres.

The Chicago Cubs aren't waiting around until the MLB trade deadline to get deals done. 

Early on Friday, the Cubs executed a trade with the New York Mets. 

"The Mets have traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli from the (Chicago) Cubs," MLB.com's Anthony DiComo tweeted Friday. "He was in limbo after opting out of his minor league contract yesterday. Will go on the Mets' 40-man roster but can be optioned."

Chicago was expected to become sellers at the deadline and small deals like this are not uncommon. However, the move seems to bolster the Mets bullpen which is a worse-than-average unit at this point in the season. 

The return for the Cubs is not yet known, so it won't be a huge haul, especially given Nittoli's status with the team. It's possible it's just for cash considerations or a similar return. 

In 20.2 innings pitched in Triple-A Iowa this season, Nittoli has posted a 3.48 ERA. He opted out of his minor league contract in hopes he could land with a Major League club. 

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