The Cubs continued to bulk up on pitching in the offseason as they acquired left-hander Rex Brothers from the Rockies, the team announced on Wednesday. In exchange, the Cubs sent minor-league pitcher Wander Cabrera to the Rockies.
Working mostly out of middle relief, Brothers, 28, is 16-11 with 61 holds, 20 saves and a 3.42 ERA over five seasons in Colorado. He has struck out 278 batters and allowed 21 HRs in 242.1 innings.
Brothers was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week and was quite surprised by the move.
From the Denver Post:
When I was told about it (Friday), I sure didn’t think it was a breath of fresh air, but now I definitely do. I think I’m in a really good place. I’m healthy and I’m always working on my craft. I’m ready for what’s next. I’m not just paying lip service when I say that I think my best days in the game are ahead of me.
The 6-0, 210 pitcher did see some time as the Rockies closer in 2013, when he recorded 19 saves with a 1.74 ERA. He was the 34th overall pick in the 2009 supplemental draft.
Left-hander Cabrera, 18, was 4-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 14 appearances in the Cubs Dominican Summer League team.
The Cubs 40-man roster is at 38.