For a few chaotic minutes on Monday, it appeared Reid Detmers’ career 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 package.
Less than 10 minutes later, the deal disappeared.
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 former first-round pick.
The Angels and Cubs weren’t finished dealing with each other, however.
Chicago ultimately 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 moving Detmers for a significant prospect haul, the Angels parted with one of their most effective and affordable relievers. Zeferjahn overcame lingering control issues to post a 3.66 ERA across 51⅔ innings, fueled by an exceptional 33.5% strikeout rate.
The 28-year-old had occasionally handled closing duties for the Angels and could receive save opportunities in Chicago while Daniel Palencia remains sidelined. His contract added considerably to his trade value, as he will not become a free agent until 2030.
With Zeferjahn gone, the Angels will likely lean more heavily on Sam Bachman and veteran Kirby Yates in high-leverage situations. That bullpen could undergo further changes before the deadline, however, as Yates is another obvious trade candidate.
Detmers, meanwhile, remains with the Angels unless another last-minute deal materializes. The 27-year-old owns a 3-7 record, a 4.03 ERA and 145 strikeouts this season. He is under arbitration control through 2028, a major reason Los Angeles could demand a substantial return.
A deadline sequence that began with Detmers reportedly leaving Anaheim ended with the Angels retaining him and unexpectedly sending Zeferjahn to the same team.
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