Williams will compete for a rotation spot for the Cubs (Denny Medley - USA Today Sports)
Williams will compete for a rotation spot for the Cubs (Denny Medley - USA Today Sports)

Cubs signing righty starter Trevor Williams


by - Senior Editor -

Another day and another move for the Northsiders.

The Chicago Cubs have signed righty pitcher Trevor Willams to a one-year MLB deal worth $2.5 million, according to multiple reports, including ESPN.

The deal is pending a physical.

Williams will likely battle newcomers Shelby Miller and Kohl Stewart for a possible rotation spot. It's another low risk, high-reward signing as they hope that he regains his former self from a few seasons ago.

One bright spot for the Cubs is that he is still eligible for arbitration for one more year in 2022. If he has a great year, he could be locked in for a reasonable price next season.

In 2020 in the shortened season, the 28-year-old had a 2-8 record with a 6.18 ERA (gave up 15 homers) and 1.57 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 21 walks in 11 starts. After that performance, he was designated for assignment by the Pirates in November.

In 2018, he had a career year (2.6 bWAR) with a 14-10 record with a 3.11 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 31 starts.

Overall, he had a 31-37 career record in 94 career starts, including a 4.43 ERA, 4.57 FIP, and 1.34 WHIP with the Pirates. Interestingly, during his career, he gets out of the gate quickly as he has a 3.47 ERA in March and April.

He was the 44th overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft.

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