NL Central: Koji Uehara signs with Cubs

When the buzz about Koji Uehara joining the Cubs first broke, the baseball world was projecting the 41-year old to be getting a paycheck in the $4.5M range. As the story developed, it looks like the Japan native will be making $6M for his year in Chicago. However, that wasn’t the highest bid on the table.

Seems like players are willing to take a pay cut just to play for the Cubs. Uehara was apart of the 2013 World Series Champion Red Sox and finished 7th in Cy Young voting that year. The reliever racked up a 3.45 ERA for Boston last year with 63 strikeouts over 47 innings pitched.

Here’s what else is going on around the National League Central:

Zack Cozart had season ending knee surgery in 2016, not to mention issues with his achilles. So what does his future with the Reds and in baseball look like? Mostly optimistic.

The Pirates have reclaimed righty pitcher Brady Dragmire off of waivers from the Rangers. Yes, you read that correctly. Welcome to the Second Coming of Dragmire.

Dexter Fowler is bringing a lot to the table in St. Louis, but the most valuable trait of all may be his ability to put balls into play. All. The. Time.

While blockbuster deals are breaking left and right, the Milwaukee Brewers have quietly been adding depth to their farm system. Veterans Eric Sogard and Andy Oliver are just a few of their newest additions.

Already suffering through David Ross withdrawal? In desperate need of dad jokes and positive reinforcement? Fear not, for David Ross could be returning to the Cubs, but he’ll be trading his uniform for a suit.