Cubs trade for Ryan Zeferjahn, sending Moisés Ballesteros to Angels
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 8:43 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for catcher Moisés Ballesteros and right-hander Mason McGwire. Zeferjahn, 28, has a 3.66 ERA and four saves in 45 appearances this season. Known for his impressive fastball and sweeper, he can serve as a closer or setup man. Ballesteros, 22, had a brief stint in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A, while McGwire has shown improvement after returning from injury. This trade further emphasizes the Angels' ongoing roster changes ahead of the deadline.
- •Cubs acquire Ryan Zeferjahn from Angels for Moisés Ballesteros.
- •Zeferjahn has a 3.66 ERA and 75 strikeouts this season.
- •Ballesteros struggled in Triple-A after a short MLB stint.
- •Mason McGwire is ranked as the Cubs' 18th-best prospect.
- •Angels continue roster changes amid trade talks.
- 8:43 PMYahoo Sports — MLB trade deadline: Chicago Cubs pick up another reliever, acquire Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels
- 8:19 PMYahoo Sports — Cubs acquire reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from Angels for Moisés Ballesteros
- 8:14 PMYahoo Sports — Angels trade Ryan Zeferjahn to Cubs
"A bullpen that needs more high-leverage relievers is bringing in one of the better cost-controllable arms. The Chicago Cubs have traded for Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, a source confirmed to the Tribune on Monday. The move required a hefty return, sending former top prospect Moisès Ballesteros and pitching prospect Mason McGwire to the Angels. Zeferjahn, 28, is under team ...
"The Cubs made a big move to shore up the back of their bullpen with a hard-throwing right-hander.
"The Angels continue their fire sale by trading their best reliever to the Cubs.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 8:43 PMMLB trade deadline: Chicago Cubs pick up another reliever, acquire Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels
A bullpen that needs more high-leverage relievers is bringing in one of the better cost-controllable arms. The Chicago Cubs have traded for Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, a source confirmed to the Tribune on Monday. The move required a hefty return, sending former top prospect Moisès Ballesteros and pitching prospect Mason McGwire to the Angels. Zeferjahn, 28, is under team ...
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 8:19 PMCubs acquire reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from Angels for Moisés Ballesteros
The Cubs made a big move to shore up the back of their bullpen with a hard-throwing right-hander.
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 8:14 PMAngels trade Ryan Zeferjahn to Cubs
The Angels continue their fire sale by trading their best reliever to the Cubs.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:44 PMAstros Trade SP Spencer Arrigetti to Blue Jays for CF Daulton Varsho
- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:37 PMBrewers acquiring Rockies relief pitcher Antonio Senzatela in trade
- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:37 PMTarik Skubal Sends Savage Message to Dodgers Critics
- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:34 PMMets trade Luke Weaver to Pirates ahead of trade deadline, report says
- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:33 PMMLB trade deadline: Mets send SP Clay Holmes, OF Tyrone Taylor to Cubs
- MLB•Aug 3, 2026, 9:30 PMRed Sox get All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from AL East rival Orioles
