Cubs add closer option in Mychal Givens originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs added another late-inning arm to their relief mix, officially signing right-hander Mychal Givens to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2023, the club announced Wednesday.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but it's worth a reported $5 million.
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Two late-inning options for manager David Ross' bullpen have landed on the 60-day injured list this spring in Codi Heuer and Brad Wieck. Heuer is likely to miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and Wieck is dealing with a left elbow strain.
Givens, 31, not only has experience pitching the late innings but is a potential option to close games for Ross. He spent last season with the Rockies and Reds, converting eight of 11 save chances while finishing with a combined 3.35 ERA.
He turned in a 2.73 ERA in 31 appearances with Colorado before being traded to Cincinnati at the deadline.
Rowan Wick is another closing option, and the Cubs have added other late-inning arms while stockpiling pitching depth this spring.
David Robertson, who signed a one-year deal last week, has 137 saves in 13 big-league seasons. Chris Martin has a 2.19 ERA in 13 career postseason games. He recently joined the Cubs on a one-year deal.
The Cubs have also signed pitchers Drew Smyly and Daniel Norris, who have starting experience, and Robert Gsellman, Steven Brault, Jesse Chavez and Adrian Sampson are in camp as non-roster invitees.
Pitching numbers figure to be more important than bats this season with the quick ramp-up to Opening Day following MLB's lockout and concern over workloads and potential injuries.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer has said his biggest focus is on adding depth and has certainly done that.
To make room for Givens on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated infielder Sergio Alcántara for assignment.
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