Chicago Cubs, Paul Maholm Close To Deal

Along with several other teams, the Chicago Cubs have been pursuing the services of free-agent southpaw Paul Maholm recently.

And it's no surprise the two sides are currently working on a deal right now, as first reported by Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports later added the two sides are close to a deal that'll bring Maholm to the north side of Chicago.

Maholm, 29, posted a 3.66 ERA across 162 innings of work with a 5.38 K/9 and 2.77 BB/9 last season. He's one of the cheaper options available, and team's are likely to get their money's worth. The Pirates granted the 29-year-old Maholm free agency after declining his $9.75 million club option. Other suitors for Maholm included the Orioles, Mariners and Red Sox.

• Twitter / @ESPNChiCubs: The Cubs and LHP Paul Maholm trying to work out an agreement.
• Twitter / @Ken_Rosenthal: Source: #Cubs close on Maholm. #MLB