After signing All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a 3-year, $46 million deal earlier this month, the Cubs’ new closer is finally on his way to Wrigley Field.

The 31-year-old pitcher signed with the Cubs on June 6th after an extended wait that left the seven-time All-Star waiting to sign a deal until nearly halfway into the season. The reason for this was the fact that the team that signed him would’ve had to give up a first-round draft pick had they done so before this year’s draft.

So, despite the strange wait, and after 4 “warm-up” appearances with the AAA Iowa Cubs, Kimbrel has deemed ready for action and is on his way to the big league club.

Kimbrel, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, will immediately step in as Chicago’s closer. The Cubs, the owners of a slim one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, hope that his addition will bolster a bullpen that has already been one of the stronger units in baseball this season.

The Cubs’ relievers have combined to post a 3.90 ERA, good for 7th in the MLB, and that number should only improve with the addition of their new closer, the owner of a career 1.91 ERA and 333 saves.

The post Cubs Add Star Closer Craig Kimbrel to Active Roster appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Chicago Cubs have made their first big move in this offseason. The team has announced on Thursday that they have agreed to a three year deal with former Colorado Rockies right-hand pitcher Tyler Chatwood. Although the financial details of the deal haven’t been revealed, ESPN reports that the contract is worth $38 million.

The #Cubs and RHP Tyler Chatwood have agreed to terms on a three-year contract through the 2020 campaign. pic.twitter.com/Jk4MwNojxk

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 7, 2017

“Uber-talented right-hander moving into his prime,” – said Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein about acquiring Chatwood. “He has great makeup. We think his best days are ahead of him. We’re getting him into an environment where we think he can gain consistency with all of his pitches and play to his strengths a little bit more.“

Chatwood said that he is fortunate that he was able to sign with the Cubs. “You have hopes, desires on what team you want it to be,” – he said. “ … and I was fortunate enough they were interested and obviously my family, talked to my agency, and it felt like a perfect fit.“

Although some may be surprised with the size of the contract the Cubs gave Chatwood, it is important to note that team’s starting pitchers Jake Arrieta and John Lackey are free agents now. With Chatwood on board, the Cubs now have a certain safety in their rotation.

After spending his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Tyler Chatwood was traded in 2011 to the Colorado Rockies. He underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2014, which caused him to miss the entire 2015 season. He successfully recovered from the surgery in time for 2016, and arguably played the best baseball in his career finishing 12-9 with a 3.87 ERA in 27 starts. His MLB career statistics include 40–46 record, 4.31 ERA, and 438 strikeouts.

The post Chicago Cubs and Tyler Chatwood Agree to a Three-Year, $38 Million Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After signing All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a 3-year, $46 million deal earlier this month, the Cubs’ new closer is finally on his way to Wrigley Field.

The 31-year-old pitcher signed with the Cubs on June 6th after an extended wait that left the seven-time All-Star waiting to sign a deal until nearly halfway into the season. The reason for this was the fact that the team that signed him would’ve had to give up a first-round draft pick had they done so before this year’s draft.

So, despite the strange wait, and after 4 “warm-up” appearances with the AAA Iowa Cubs, Kimbrel has deemed ready for action and is on his way to the big league club.

Kimbrel, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, will immediately step in as Chicago’s closer. The Cubs, the owners of a slim one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, hope that his addition will bolster a bullpen that has already been one of the stronger units in baseball this season.

The Cubs’ relievers have combined to post a 3.90 ERA, good for 7th in the MLB, and that number should only improve with the addition of their new closer, the owner of a career 1.91 ERA and 333 saves.

The post Cubs Add Star Closer Craig Kimbrel to Active Roster appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Chicago Cubs have made their first big move in this offseason. The team has announced on Thursday that they have agreed to a three year deal with former Colorado Rockies right-hand pitcher Tyler Chatwood. Although the financial details of the deal haven’t been revealed, ESPN reports that the contract is worth $38 million.

The #Cubs and RHP Tyler Chatwood have agreed to terms on a three-year contract through the 2020 campaign. pic.twitter.com/Jk4MwNojxk

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 7, 2017

“Uber-talented right-hander moving into his prime,” – said Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein about acquiring Chatwood. “He has great makeup. We think his best days are ahead of him. We’re getting him into an environment where we think he can gain consistency with all of his pitches and play to his strengths a little bit more.“

Chatwood said that he is fortunate that he was able to sign with the Cubs. “You have hopes, desires on what team you want it to be,” – he said. “ … and I was fortunate enough they were interested and obviously my family, talked to my agency, and it felt like a perfect fit.“

Although some may be surprised with the size of the contract the Cubs gave Chatwood, it is important to note that team’s starting pitchers Jake Arrieta and John Lackey are free agents now. With Chatwood on board, the Cubs now have a certain safety in their rotation.

After spending his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Tyler Chatwood was traded in 2011 to the Colorado Rockies. He underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2014, which caused him to miss the entire 2015 season. He successfully recovered from the surgery in time for 2016, and arguably played the best baseball in his career finishing 12-9 with a 3.87 ERA in 27 starts. His MLB career statistics include 40–46 record, 4.31 ERA, and 438 strikeouts.

The post Chicago Cubs and Tyler Chatwood Agree to a Three-Year, $38 Million Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.