Mariners make trade with Cubs that really didn't seem possible

The Seattle Mariners made some roster moves on Monday including optioning Patrick Wisdom to Triple-A Tacoma, in preparation for the return of Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford from the Injured List. They also made a trade, with Yosver Zulueta going to Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

The Zulueta trade mostly flew under the radar, and not just because most Mariners fans are focused on getting Raleigh and Crawford back in the lineup. (As well as Randy Arozarena, who missed the last two games with left hamstring soreness.) The reality is that the righty's time with the M's organization was nothing noteworthy to write home about.

We're fully aware that media outlets often do their best to spin things positively when the team they cover makes a trade. And MLB.com's take on Zulueta certainly made for interesting reading, but "fewer than two earned runs allowed in 18 of his 22 outings" isn't really much of a flex when it comes to the righty.

Zulueta was just never able to find his rhythm in Triple-A Tacoma, as he produced a 5.75 ERA, 4.55 FIP and 1.770 WHIP in 20.1 combined innings. The 1.770 WHIP in particular stands out, as the worst for any of his stops since coming over to North America as an international free agent signing for $1 million by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019.

Yosver Zulueta just isn't MLB-level quality despite some experience in the Big Leagues

Despite the Remedios, Cuba native's struggles to find success, he did at least get the opportunity to play in the majors during his two seasons in Cincinnati between 2024-25. Not that he achieved much during 19 relief appearances, producing a 5.32 ERA, 4.21 FIP and 1.310 WHIP over 23.2 combined innings.

Zulueta was subsequently traded to the Mariners in January of 2026 in exchange for Dusty Revis, but as a result of his subpar outings was eventually designated for assignment last Wednesday. It's actually a surprise the M's were able to get anything for him, so in that respects cash considerations has to be viewed as a win.

It does make you wonder just how desperate the Cubs are, given this is a pitcher who was described by FanGraphs as "a fringe 40-man up/down relief type" when he was with the Reds. Zulueta has always been praised for a fastball which could reach 98-99 mph at its peak, but he's struggled consistently with his command.

To be fair, Zulueta was the Blue Jays' No. 3 prospect as recently as 2023 according to MLB Pipeline, but it still seems unrealistic to expect much from him in Chicago. This was one relief pitching project the Mariners were unable to have success with, not that we won't be wishing him the best, despite his disappointing displays in Tacoma.

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