The Chicago Cubs are showing the world they want to be contenders again.
After their 2016 World Series triumph, they started to slowly decline until 2021, the year in which they hit the reset button and traded most of the stars that gave them the title.
After that happened, they made some signings and have shown a willingness to return to relevancy.
They missed out on the star shortstops but are in play for Dansby Swanson.
For now, they completed a minor signing that may end up being ‘major’.
“Right-handed reliever Brad Boxberger and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN,” Jeff Passan reported on Thursday.
The MLB insider also said that Boxberger’s one-year deal with the Cubs is for $2.8 million.
It’s a surprisingly affordable contract for a reliable reliever.
There is also a $5 million mutual option (or $800,000 buyout) for 2024, per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.
The Milwaukee Brewers had a club option on him, but declined him last month and allowed him to test the free agent waters.
Boxberger Can Really Help In The Cubs Bullpen
He ends up making almost as much in the open market.
Boxberger was solid in 2022, with a 2.95 ERA over 70 appearances with Milwaukee.
He also had 30 holds and one save while accumulating 68 strikeouts in 64 innings of work.
Boxberger is good enough to find himself in the mix for saves in Chicago, but the most likely scenario has him working as a setup guy.
Slowly, but surely, the Cubs have been making win-now additions for two winters now, including Cody Bellinger a few days ago.
They need some of their own young players and prospects to pan out and at least one impact free agent addition to improve their chances, though.
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