Skip to content

Report: Cubs, Morrow agree to 2-year, $21M deal

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Chicago Cubs kicked off the winter meetings by making a significant addition to the bullpen.

Free-agent reliever Brandon Morrow reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with an option to join the Cubs on Sunday, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

Morrow's deal is worth $21 million, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. He will earn $9 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019 with a $3-million buyout or $12-million vesting option for 2020.

The deal is in place, pending a physical, Rosenthal added.

Morrow is coming off an exceptional season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he posted a 2.06 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts across 43 2/3 innings. He only walked nine batters and didn't give up a home run in 45 regular-season appearances.

The 33-year-old broke into the majors as a starter in 2007 but has battled significant injury problems in recent years, tossing just 136 2/3 innings from 2013-16. Morrow managed to stay healthy last season, an encouraging sign heading into 2018.

Chicago has made it a priority to address the bullpen this winter with closer Wade Davis hitting free agency, and Rosenthal reports the Cubs are expected to sign another late-inning reliever in addition to Morrow.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox