Cubs agree to deal with reliever Boxberger

*Photo from AZ Snake Pit*

   You can never have too many relievers, or any pitching for that matter. The Chicago Cubs and RHP Brad Boxberger have agreed to a one year, $2 million deal, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Cubs have confirmed the signing.

   Last season was Boxberger's second in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform, a division rival of the Cubs. He ended the year with a 1.23 WHIP, 3.57 FIP, and 2.95 ERA, throwing 64 innings across 70 relief appearances, picking up one save along the way.

   The contract for Boxberger pays $2 million in 2023, and comes with a mutual option for the 2024 season. That option is worth $5 million and has a $800,000 buyout, guaranteeing Boxberger $2.8 million. 

   There is no set closer for the Cubs entering the 2023 season as things currently stand, but Boxberger could contend for that role as he has prior closing experience, including 41 saves in an all star season in 2015 with the Tampa Bay Rays, plus a 32 save season in 2018 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, his only season in the desert.

   The Cubs have a strong record of short term signings in the bullpen, maintaining them as solid relievers. They have usually traded them at the trade deadline to enhance their farm system in recent years, but the hope in Chicago is that the Cubs are good enough to avoid being in that position this year.

   Boxberger has played for 6 different teams across 11 seasons in the major leagues. In that time, he has a 3.44 ERA, 3.98 FIP, and 1.27 WHIP, making 484 relief appearances and picking up 82 saves in 457 2/3 innings pitched. He has pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings in the postseason in his career, totaling 5 appearances.

   Boxberger has shown the ability to get anyone out when coming out of the bullpen, crucial for a Cubs bullpen that needs the help. He held righty hitters to a .248 batting average and .677 OPS last season, but has historically performed better against lefty bats. That continued in 2022, with lefties hitting .198 with a .619 OPS against Boxberger.

   The Cubs have signed starting pitcher Jameson Taillon and now Boxberger to assist their pitching depth. On the hitting side, they brought in former NL MVP Cody Bellinger and star shortstop Dansby Swanson.