A look at Cubs trades in the expansion era: 1985

The trade market was fairly quiet for the Cubs throughout the year.

• By
  
  Al Yellon
  
• on November 18, 2023 11:00 am

The 1985 Cubs had a strong start after their NLCS loss in 1984. With a 35-19 record on June 11 and a four-game lead in the N.L. East, things appeared promising until things went south.

Several Cubs starters faced injuries, resulting in a downturn for the team. Losing 13 consecutive games from June 12-25, they quickly fell out of contention for the season.

The trade market also remained subdued.

April 1: Acquired Jay Baller from the Indians for Dan Rohn

Jay Baller, was acquired from the Indians after being one of Dallas Green’s top draft picks. While he performed decently in ’85 with the Cubs, his performance declined in the following years, and he was eventually released at the end of ’87.

July 26: Acquired Dave Beard from the Athletics for Tom Grant

Dave Beard, acquired from the Athletics, had a brief stint with the Cubs, pitching in only nine games before being released after the season.

This deal is regarded as one of the most unproductive trades of the 1980s.

December 11: Acquired Manny Trillo from the Giants for Dave Owen

While Dave Owen was involved in the iconic “Sandberg Game,” Manny Trillo returned to the Cubs after his trade and delivered a solid performance during his second stint with the team.

December 16: Acquired Jerry Mumphrey from the Astros for Billy Hatcher and a PTBNL

Jerry Mumphrey joined the Cubs following this trade and had a decent season in 1987, but his contributions could have been surpassed by Billy Hatcher, who went on to have a successful career after leaving the Cubs.

Overall, the Cubs’ trades in the year 1985 are rated as average.

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