While they aren’t the huge splashes still expected to come, the Cubs made a pair of moves Thursday bringing in two bullpen arms. The Cubs signed right-hander Andury Acevedo and lefty Jack Leathersich.
The 25-year-old Acevedo agreed on terms with the Cubs, adding him to the 40-man roster. Acevedo spent his last four seasons in the Yankees organization, finishing his last season in Triple-A with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with a 2.31 ERA and a save.
From the Cubs press release:
After starting the campaign with Single-A Tampa, Acevedo pitched at three levels in the Yankees chain last year, combining to go 3-4 with three saves and a 2.59 ERA (17 ER/59.0 IP) in 41 relief appearances. Acevedo earned Florida State League mid-season All-Star honors, posting a 1.40 ERA (3 ER/19.1 IP) in 13 relief appearances with Tampa.
Unlike Acevedo, Leathersich does have some major league experience. Also 25, Leathersich made his first appearance during the 2015 season in the Mets bullpen. Leathersich was brought into 17 games and had a 2.31 ERA.
The Cubs had a rotating door of bullpen arms throughout the 2015 season. With the exception of Hector Rondon in the ninth, no bullpen pitcher was able to completely secure a role.
With the meat of MLB free agency still in the future, the Cubs are expected to make at least one big move for a starting pitcher. Names like David Price, Zack Greinke and Jeff Samardzija have all been linked to the Cubs.
