The Cubs have agreed on a one-year contract with free-agent right-hander Trevor Williams, according to sources. The deal, which is pending a physical, is worth $2.5 million.
Williams, 28, is coming off a tough 2020 in which he went 2-8 with a 6.18 ERA in 11 starts for the Pirates. He is 31-37 with a 4.43 ERA in 94 major-league starts. Williams was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh in November.
The Cubs have been looking to bolster the back of their rotation after losing Jon Lester to the Nationals and Jose Quintana to the Angels. Williams fills a need for depth and experience. He features a four-pitch mix — a four-seam fastball, a slider, a changeup and a curveball that he throws sparingly.
Williams had a standout 2018 season, going 14-10 with a 3.11 ERA.
He likely will compete with Adbert Alzolay, Alec Mills, Shelby Miller and new addition Kohl Stewart for a rotation spot.
Young pitchers Tyson Miller and Cory Abbott also might have an outside shot at the rotation.
After the additions of Williams and outfielder Joc Pederson, the Cubs have started to make headway on their free-agent checklist after a quiet start to the offseason.
They still have some moves left in them before spring training begins but have begun to answer some of the major questions concerning their roster.
