Cubs re-arm for 2016, sign deals with five arbitration-eligible pitchers

[cigaretteman]

The Chicago Cubs agreed to terms on one-year contracts with pitchers Travis Wood, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Adam Warren and Justin Grimm.

Wood, who made 54 appearances last season – nine of them starts – agreed to a $6.17 million contract. The 28-year-old lefthander had a record of 5-4 with four saves, a 3.84 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 100 innings of work.

Set-up man Strop, 30, who led the team with 76 appearances, signed for $4.4 million. Strop had three saves, a 2.91 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 68 innings last season.

Rondon, the team's primary closer, agreed on a $4.2 million deal. The 27-year-old righthander had 30 saves in 34 opportunities with a 1.67 ERA in 2015. He won 6 and lost 4 and had a WHIP of 1.00.

Grimm, 27, signed for $1.275 million. He appeared in 62 games – third-most on the team behind Strop and Rondon – with a 1.99 ERA last season.

Warren, who was acquired from the Yankees in the Starlin Castro trade, signed for $1.7 million. Warren, 28, pitched in 43 games for the Yankees last season, 17 of them starts, compiling a record of 7-7 with a 3.29 ERA.

Friday marks the deadline for arbitration-eligible players to agree to terms with their teams. Both sides will exchange numbers if an agreement hasn't been reached, with arbitration hearings set for Jan. 1-21 in Phoenix.

The Cubs have two remaining unsigned players - Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and outfielder Chris Coghlan.

Both players are represented by Scott Boras.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-justin-grimm-20160115-story.html

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

The Cubs are becoming the next Anaheim Angels. Were they in the playoffs last year, I can't recall.

 

[SCHawkFan]

The Cubs are becoming the next Anaheim Angels. Were they in the playoffs last year, I can't recall.

Not sure what you mean by that. This story indicates the Cubs signed a good number of their key relievers at a pretty reasonable cost.

 

[IACub]

The Cubs are becoming the next Anaheim Angels. Were they in the playoffs last year, I can't recall.

I can see why a Cardinals fan would want to forget the Cubs postseason.

 

[lucas80]

Cogs also signed today. There are some big jumps for a lot of players, but mostly deserved. Lots of rumors floating with the start of the Cubs Convention that an extension is close for Arrieta.

 

[lucas80]

ESPN has the Cubs bullpen ranked the 5th best in baseball to go along with the best infield, the 2nd best outfield, and the 4th best starting rotation. The outfield is probably over rated until Soler produces for a full season, but they will mash this season.