UPDATE: The Cubs officially announced on Twitter Friday the team’s signing of Motte to a one-year contract.
It’s official: #Cubs and RHP Jason Motte (@JMotte30) have agreed to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/xY4GMtm54T
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 19, 2014
Just a few hours after announcing the signing of ace left-hander Jon Lester to a six-year, $155 million contract the Chicago Cubs struck again, reportedly signing former Cardinal closer Jason Motte to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. The contract reportedly includes up to $2.5 million in achievable bonuses.
Motte, 32, struggled during just 29 games in a season in what was the first season back from Tommy John Surgery after leading the National League in saves with 42 along with Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel back in 2012. The veteran right-hander, who began his career as a catcher after he was drafted by the Cardinals back in the 19th round of the 2003 draft, posted a 4.68 ERA over 25 innings in 2014, but better results are likely after a full year of recovery from surgery. If Motte can return even to the majority of his previous form, he should greatly be able to help a Cubs’ bullpen that posted a 3.61 collective ERA this past season.
Read more on the Cubs’ signing of Motte from STLToday.com and MLB.com.
Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com was first to report the deal. Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reported the $4.5 million guarantee while Levine added the details of the achievable bonus.
More to come.
Feature image used under Creative Commons from Barbara Moore. No changes made. Creative Commons License.
