The Cubs haven't made any huge moves so far this offseason, only picking up a couple pitchers in November. In a minor deal with the A's, the Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Jharel Cotton. The 27-year-old has dealt with injuries that have kept him from pitching in the majors since 2017.
Early on Monday, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with Cotton, avoiding arbitration.
The team confirmed the one-year deal later in the day, as they also announced other roster moves.
Cotton was estimated to get $800,000 according to MLBTR's arbitration projections.
The right-hander has made 29 career starts in the big leagues, all with the A's, 24 coming in 2017 during his first full season. Cotton had early success when he first was called up in 2016, but struggled in 2017. Tommy John surgery sidelined him in 2018 and a hamstring injury also delayed his return.
Although his stuff hasn't translated to the majors yet, his mid-90s fastball and great change up sure do give the Cubs some glimpse of hope that he can eventually be a factor down the road. He's simply a lottery ticket signing who at best could be a number four or five starter, or provide the Cubs innings out of the bullpen.
Cotton will get the chance to work back from his injuries by beginning the 2020 season at Triple-A Iowa.
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