You wanted a big free agent signing for the Cubs? Well, keep waiting because it hasn’t happened yet. However, the Cubs are reportedly getting close to signing starting pitcher Kendall Graveman.
The 28-year-old right-hander spent the last four seasons with the A’s and was actually Oakland’s opening day starter in 2018. However, things went bad for him, only making seven starts before he was optioned down to Triple-A. Then, he landed on the disabled list with a forearm injury and in July the team announced Graveman needed Tommy John surgery.
Welcome to the Cubs!
The Cubs are close to signing pitcher Kendall Graveman. 78 career starts, 4.38 ERA. Been with Oakland the last 4 years
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) December 22, 2018
Not really sure when he’s expected to return, but you can pretty much think of this signing like the Drew Smyly acquisition last offseason. Smyly was also coming off Tommy John surgery and was hopeful to contribute in 2018, and definitely in 2019. Of course, the Cubs ended up trading Smyly to the Rangers back in November before picking up Cole Hamels’ 2019 option.
So, just giving Graveman a shot to come back and who knows, maybe he can eventually contribute something in the future for the Cubs.
Think of this as similar to the Drew Smyly signing. It’s about seeing how a return from Tommy John rehab goes. He’ll need a 40-man spot until Spring Training begins, at which time he’ll move to the 60-day DL. https://t.co/G4yQQfwKOw
— Cubs Prospects (@cubprospects) December 22, 2018
In 2016, Graveman made 31 starts with Oakland, throwing 186 innings and put up a 4.11 ERA, with a 1.31 WHIP.
Kendall Graveman is going to the Cubs. Good bounce back candidate.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 22, 2018
He first broke in with the Blue Jays in 2014, appearing in five games for Toronto.
Another important thing to point out is that Graveman is under team control through 2021 via arbitration.
So, more depth for the starting pitching! Yay.
