Report: Cubs sign former Red Sox closer

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Thursday, December 8, 2016, 6:49 PM

The Chicago Cubs have already made a big splash this offseason by signing elite closer Wade Davis but it appears that they are not done fortifying the bullpen for 2017.

MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting that 41-year old Koji Uehara has signed a one-year deal with the Cubs for 4.5 million.

In 2016, he had 3.45 ERA with seven saves, 63 strikeouts, and 0.96 WHIP. He is still a strikeout pitcher with 12.1 K/9 innings and excellent against lefties.

The Cubs now have three pitchers on their roster who have recorded final out of a World Series with Uehara, Mike Montgomery, and Wade Davis.

For his career, he has 2.53 ERA with 93 saves, 522 strikeouts, and 0.86 WHIP. He was the Red Sox closer in 2012-2014 and had a 2.19 ERA, 291 strikeouts, and 0.81 WHIP during that time.

.@Cubs, RHP Koji Uehara reportedly agree to deal. https://t.co/nbSxp1Un0Q Club has not confirmed. pic.twitter.com/qIihk5HakC
— MLB (@MLB) December 8, 2016