The Cubs made a few difficult decisions during the last week of spring training and that included releasing veteran right-hander Junichi Tazawa. The 32-year-old was battling for a spot in the bullpen after signing a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason. After the final cuts were made, the Cubs and Tazawa reached an agreement to bring him back into the organization on a new contract.
The new deal for Tazawa could be worth as much as $900,000 if he reaches the majors with the cubs this season.
The right-hander has a career 4.12 ERA in 395.1 innings. Tazawa began his MLB career with the Red Sox and in seven years with Boston he put up a 3.58 ERA. Tazawa last pitched for the Marlins and Angels in 2018. During spring training, Tazawa pitched in six games and didn't allow a run in 5.2 innings, only surrendering two hits while striking out nine batters and walking none. The Cubs ultimately made their last bullpen decision on Tuesday, when Allen Webster was moved to minor league camp and Kyle Ryan was optioned to Triple-A. That made lefty Randy Rosario the winner fo the final bullpen spot for the start of the regular season. Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels will start the first three games of the season against the Rangers. Pedro Strop, Carl Edwards Jr., Brad Brach, Steve Cishek, Tyler Chatwood, Brandon Kintzler, Mike Montgomery and Rosario will be in the bullpen.
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