The Cubs signed Thielbar to a one-year contract Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. Thielbar will turn 38 in January and had a down 2024 season, posting a 5.32 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 53:24 K:BB over 47.1 innings. However, he boasted a 30.6 percent strikeout rate and seven percent walk rate from 2021 to 2023, so the left-handed reliever seems like a fine gamble on a one-year deal.
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The Cubs signed Thielbar to a one-year contract Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. Thielbar will turn 38 in January and had a down 2024 season, posting a 5.32 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 53:24 K:BB over 47.1 innings. However, he boasted a 30.6 percent strikeout rate and seven percent walk rate from 2021 to 2023, so the left-handed reliever seems like a fine gamble on a one-year deal.
The Cubs signed Heller to a minor-league contract Monday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Heller, 33, made eight appearances with the Pirates in 2024, posting an 11.25 ERA and 15:6 K:BB over 12 frames. He ended the season on the injured list with a shoulder problem, but the Cubs must feel confident in the reliever's current health status.
The Cubs acquired Brujan from the Marlins on Sunday in exchange for first baseman Matt Mervis, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Miami had designated Brujan for assignment last week, but the 26-year-old utility man will regain a 40-man roster spot with the move to Chicago. Once viewed as one of the top prospects in the Tampa Bay system during his time in the minors, Brujan has slashed a woeful .189/.261/.270 (50 wRC+) across 550 plate appearances in the majors with the Rays and Marlins over the last four seasons. Though the change of scenery could help get his development back on track, Brujan profiles as a bench bat at this stage of his career, with most of his value coming from his ability to play all over the infield and outfield.
Perez signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Tuesday. The 34-year-old spent the 2024 campaign at the Triple-A level with the A's, where he had an .888 OPS with 27 home runs in 112 games. Perez has a .592 OPS across parts of five big-league seasons and last saw MLB action with the Athletics in 2023.
The Cubs acquired Poteet from the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for Cody Bellinger and cash consideration, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Poteet, 30, made four starts and one relief appearance for the Yankees in 2024, collecting a 2.22 ERA and 16:8 K:BB across 24.1 innings. He could be used either as a starter or reliever, with the rotation at Triple-A Iowa perhaps being his most likely destination.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated Tuesday that Busch is not under consideration to play third base and will instead remain focused on first base, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. The Cubs have an opening at the hot corner following the trade of Isaac Paredes and Busch has some experience at third base. However, the team views Busch as a potential Gold Glove-caliber first baseman and wants him to remain there. Top prospect Matt Shaw looks to be the current favorite to start at third base.
Kelly signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Cubs on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Over 91 games between Detroit and Texas in 2024, Kelly slashed .238/.313/.374 with nine home runs and 37 RBI. While his numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, he'll still give plenty of competition in spring training to Miguel Amaya, who managed just a .645 OPS last season.
The Cubs acquired Tucker from the Astros on Friday in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Whispers of Tucker being available via trade surfaced just a few days ago and a deal came together quickly. Tucker has blossomed into one of the game's best players, slashing .289/.408/.585 during an injury-shortened 2024 regular season. He will turn 28 in January and is slated to reach free agency next winter, although it wouldn't be a surprise if the Cubs attempt to lock him up with a long-term contract extension.
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