Brandon Morrow Signs with Cubs

[Eye Black]

Cubs reportedly have agreed to a deal with free agent reliever Brandon Morrow for a contract worth $10-$11 million per year (link). The length of the contract has not yet been announced.

[ThisIsMyCrew]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/cubs-nearing-deal-with-brandon-morrow.html

 

Crazy what these relievers are getting paid. Not sure on length but $10 a year is still steep.

[Austin Tatious]

Morrow was very good last year and he’s got good stuff. But, that’s an aggressive move all things considered (age, arm past). Theo does his background work and then is very decisive.

[LouisEly]

That's a lot of $dough for a guy who has spent a lot of time on the DL the last five seasons. Wade Davis must be asking for a lot more than $10M/year, otherwise logic says to resign the proven closer in Davis. Edwards needs to get his walks down before they turn the closer role over to him.

[trwi7]

That's a lot of $dough for a guy who has spent a lot of time on the DL the last five seasons.

 

And was ridden into the ground in the playoffs, especially the World Series.

[JohnBriggs12]

That's a lot of $dough for a guy who has spent a lot of time on the DL the last five seasons.

 

And was ridden into the ground in the playoffs, especially the World Series.

 

Yeah he was on fumes in the World Series. No telling if his arm will have the same life next year. It's a gamble.

[bill hAll Star]

2 years with a 3rd year club option.

 

I know both he and Chatwood have risks, but both of these are good signings for the Cubs. If one or both falter, it’s not going to destroy their payroll near-term. I also like both in their contract timeframes, given cost.

[danzig6767]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/cubs-nearing-deal-with-brandon-morrow.html

 

Crazy what these relievers are getting paid. Not sure on length but $10 a year is still steep.

Cubs print money and it's only two years guaranteed.

 

What a ride for Morrow. The dude was pitching like garbage in AAA before the Dodgers were forced to call him up and then he instantly became a shut down reliever in the majors. Sports can be so unpredictable at times.

[JosephC]

Over the last three years Morrow has 92 2/3 major league innings and 77 minor league innings. He's been excellent over that timeframe but 10+ million guaranteed for a reliever that has averaged just over 30 major league innings over the last four seasons is a questionable contract IMO. If Swarzak, Hunter and Neshek command deals like this I guess I'm not that interested in the reliever market this off-season.

[bill hAll Star]

Epstein must think he'll continue throwing high 90s for 2 more years. That means he'll be a really good pitcher if he can.

 

If he wears down this year or next year, they move on to the next guy. Good risk for them to take.

[KeithStone53151]

Epstein must think he'll continue throwing high 90s for 2 more years. That means he'll be a really good pitcher if he can.

 

If he wears down this year or next year, they move on to the next guy. Good risk for them to take.

 

I'd tend to agree, but there's definitely risk and it shouldn't be discounted. It's a shame we can't take such a risk with 8-10% of our payroll, for them it's probably closer to 5%.

[monty57]

The Cubs are jumping quickly to get their guys. I expect Cobb to go there soon, and then they'll be pretty much set for opening day.

 

I was hoping that they would have to break the bank on someone so they'd be pressed against the luxury tax threshold in the next couple of years. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that is going to happen. I think they're having a good offseason in that they're filling the holes in the roster with quality players while keeping a cushion to help account for future arby increases.

 

That kind of bums me out, so I'm just waiting for Stearns to make some moves that I can be excited about.

[bill hAll Star]

Also signed Drew Smyly 2/$10. Maybe all of these blow up in their face, but they've signed 3 guys that all could pitch well above their contracts.

[jerichoholicninja]

Also signed Drew Smyly 2/$10. Maybe all of these blow up in their face, but they've signed 3 guys that all could pitch well above their contracts.

 

They only get Smyly for 1 year.