Cubs acquire Ryan Zeferjahn in Angels trade after…
For a few chaotic minutes on Monday, it appeared Reid Detmers’ profession with the Los Angeles Angels was over.
Reports surfaced that the Angels had traded the left-hander to the Chicago Cubs for a three-prospect bundle.
Less than 10 minutes later, the deal disappeared.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn (56) earns a save in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Sunday, August 2, 2026. (This asset – including all textual content, audio and imagery – is offered by Imagn Images. GWN Connec) IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that Detmers had not been traded to Chicago. The Cubs then acquired left-hander Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins, seemingly ending their pursuit of the previous first-round choose.
The Angels and Cubs weren’t completed dealing with each other, however.
Chicago finally acquired Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Moisés Ballesteros and right-hander Mason McGwire are going to the Angels.
Instead of transferring Detmers for a vital prospect haul, the Angels parted with one of their most efficient and reasonably priced relievers. Zeferjahn overcame lingering control points to post a 3.66 ERA across 51⅔ innings, fueled by an distinctive 33.5% strikeout price.
The 28-year-old had often dealt with closing duties for the Angels and might obtain save alternatives in Chicago while Daniel Palencia stays sidelined. His contract added significantly to his trade worth, as he won’t grow to be a free agent until 2030.
Los Angeles Angels aid pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn delivers during the eighth inning of a baseball sport against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Minneapolis. (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim
With Zeferjahn gone, the Angels will probably lean more closely on Sam Bachman and veteran Kirby Yates in high-leverage conditions. That bullpen might endure additional modifications before the deadline, however, as Yates is another apparent trade candidate.
Detmers, meanwhile, stays with the Angels unless another last-minute deal materializes. The 27-year-old owns a 3-7 document, a 4.03 ERA and 145 strikeouts this season. He is under arbitration control through 2028, a major cause Los Angeles might demand a substantial return.
A deadline sequence that started with Detmers reportedly leaving Anaheim ended with the Angels retaining him and unexpectedly sending Zeferjahn to the same workforce.
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