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The Cubs have signed right-handed reliever Brandon Morrow, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. It’s a two-year, $21 million contract with a $12 million vesting option or $3 million buyout, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Bruce Levine of 670 The Score first reported the Cubs were “closing in” on Morrow.
An 11-year veteran, Morrow is coming off a tremendous 2017 season with the National League champion Dodgers. The 33-year-old posted a 6-0 record with a 2.06 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings and 1.9 walks per nine, and did not allow a home run in 45 regular-season appearances. He was a workhorse in the postseason, pitching 13 2⁄3 innings across 14 appearances while posting a 3.95 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Morrow also provides flexibility, as he has started 113 games in his career.
The Cubs have bolstered their bullpen after losing Wade Davis (4-2, 2.30 ERA and 12.1 K/9 in 59 appearances) to free agency. Along with Morrow, the Cubs currently have Justin Wilson, Carl Edwards Jr., Pedro Strop and Mike Montgomery in their bullpen.