The Cubs capitalized on having one of the hottest — if not the hottest — trade pieces on the market. 

The team acquired infielder Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer from the White Sox in exchange for closer Craig Kimbrel. 

Madrigal was the 4th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the White Sox and made his debut in 2020. He is a lifetime .317 hitter and just 24 strikeouts in 324 plate appearances. Heuer was the White Sox’ 6th round pick in 2018. He also made his debut in 2020 and had a 1.52 ERA and a 0.887 WHIP last season and was a key part of their bullpen as they made their first playoff appearance since 2008. 

Kimbrel was arguably the best closer in baseball this season, posting a 0.49 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 36.2 innings of work.