The Cubs are set to add a hard-throwing arm to their bullpen, having agreed to a trade with the Angels for right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Monday. Neither club has confirmed the deal, which will send rookie catcher Moisés Ballesteros and pitching prospect Mason McGwire — son of former slugger Mark McGwire — to the Angels, according to reports.
Zeferjahn, who averages 97 mph with his fastball, places in the 96th percentile or higher in a few key pitching metrics, including expected batting average (.161, 100th), whiff percentage (34.6%, 96th) and strikeout percentage (33.6%, 97th).
The 28-year-old Zeferjahn, who isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2030 season, has a 3.66 ERA and 75 strikeouts across 51 2/3 innings this season, his third in the Majors.
