After initially electing to test free agency, the right-hander has signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
In January, the Cubs designated Leiter Jr. for assignment. After clearing waivers, the righty chose to test the free-agent market rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Iowa. Honestly, you can’t blame the guy for trying to get as much money as he possibly can.
Leiter Jr. is coming off a 2022 campaign in which he proved he can be a reliable arm in the Cubs’ pitching staff. Although he made four starts early in the season, most of his outings came from the bullpen. In 35 games, he posted a 3.99 ERA with 73 strikeouts, 25 walks, and three saves in 67.2 innings. The second half of the season was when Leiter Jr. caught Cubs fans' attention. In 20 games, he had a 2.39 ERA with 29 strikeouts, 10 walks, a 3.38 FIP, and a .181 opponent’s batting average in 26.1 innings.
By re-signing Mark Leiter Jr., the Chciago Cubs continue to add depth to their pitching staff for the 2023 season. If Leiter Jr. can harness some of the magic he had in 2022, don’t be surprised to see him jogging out from the ivy at Wrigley Field once again next season.
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