Travis Lakins was acquired from the Boston Red Sox for an undisclosed player or monetary consideration and was added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster, which is now full. Last season, the 25-year-old made his major league debut with Boston, pitching in 16 games with a 3.86 ERA over 23.1 innings with 10 walks and 18 strikeouts. The 6-foot-1 Lakins pitched for AAA Pawtucket (40 games) last season, recording a 3-4 record with six saves and a 4.60 ERA in 45 innings (23 BB/42 K). Lakins moved to the bullpen in 2018, pitching 54.1 innings between AA Portland and Pawtucket, posting a 2.32 ERA in 36 appearances. His first start as a starter During his three seasons with the Boston organisation, he was 5-0 with a 2.61 ERA in seven starts at High A Salem in the Carolina League, but struggled when promoted to AA, giving 21 walks and 34 hits in 34.1 innings in eight appearances. Lakins, a two-time all-state selection at Franklin High School in Ohio, lettered as a freshman at Ohio State, going 1-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 55 innings in 25 outings. Lakins finished 4-4 with a 3.75 ERA over 96 innings as a sophomore, recording 84 punchouts and a.261 BAA in 15 starts. He was chosen by The Red Sox selected him in the sixth round of the 2015 Draft from Ohio State. He has a four-seam fastball that can reach 95 mph, as well as a curve and cutter. Lakins will compete for a bullpen slot in spring training, and he has two alternatives. On January 17, the Red Sox designated Lakins for assignment, and he was dealt four days later.
