The Cubs continue to add low-cost, low-risk, take a flyer on type of pitchers this offseason, which is fine, but as a fan it’s getting a tad bit frustrating because those are the only moves they’re making to try and improve the team for 2020.
Anyway, the Cubs have agreed to a deal with right-handed reliever Ryan Tepera. The former Blue Jays pitcher has signed a split-contract, earning $900k when he’s in the majors and $300k when he’s in the minors.
Tepera, 32, was pretty solid in 2017-18, with the Blue Jays, recording a 3.59 ERA and 3.62 ERA in those two seasons over 142.1 innings. He made his MLB debut in 2015 and also pitched for Toronto in 2016, but Tepera kept getting yo-yoed between the majors and Triple-A. He was effective though, posting a 3.16 ERA in in 51.1 innings during his first two seasons pitching in the big leagues.
Unfortunately, Tepera suffered from elbow inflammation in 2018 and in 2019 he had surgery to shave down a bone spur and remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He missed three months, but was solid when he returned, recording a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings in 11 appearances during September.
So, add Tepera to the group of guys who will compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.
Again, it’s an OK move and the strategy might even work out nicely in 2020, but at the same time it’s difficult to get excited over marginal upgrades when there are no signs of them getting better, proven players this offseason.
