The Chicago Cubs announced yesterday that they have signed four players to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
The Cubs also made the Jonathan Sanchez signing official, as Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reported a few days ago
The Cubs signed 32-year old left-handed pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada to a minor league deal. Wada has not pitched in the majors before. Wada pitched for the Fukuoka Daniel Hawks and the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks over in Japan from 2003-2011. Wada decided to come to the majors in 2011 and signed a 2-year contract for 8.5 million and was given a third year option with the Baltimore Orioles. Wada never pitched for the Orioles, however. In 2011, Wada had to have Tommy John Surgery. During his career in the NPB, Wada went 107-61 with a 3.13 earned run average 1,235 strikeouts. The Cubs plan to keep Wada as a starter and will likely start the season in the Iowa Cubs starting rotation.
The Cubs signed 32-year old left-handed pitcher Tommy Hottovy to a minor-league deal. Hottovy has not pitched much in the majors and does not have many stats to show. In Hottovy’s career, he does not have a win or lost but has a 4.05 earned run average and 8 strikeouts. Hottovy started his career with the Kansas City Royals and signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. He did not see
The Cubs also signed 31-year old outfielder Mitch Mainer to a minor-league deal as the final signing of the day. In his career, Mainer as a .248 average, 10 home runs and 93 runs batted in. Mainer has played for the Red Sox and Royals during his career. Mainer will start the season in the Iowa Cubs outfield and was a depth signing.
Other news and notes:
*The Cubs will not be the team to sign catcher Kurt Suzuki. The Minnesota Twins signed Suzuki to a 1-year deal today worth 2.75 million, plus incentives. The Cubs will likely go into next season with two catchers and George Kontarras will back-up Welington Castillo.
*According to right-handed relief pitcher Fernando Rodney, the Cubs are one of many teams to have an offer out to him.
*According to a report out of the Dominican Republic, the Cubs are one of a few teams to be at the bullpen session of right-handed pitcher Joel Pinero.