The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild. As they try to return to competency, they are attempting to be active on the free agent market. On Thursday morning, they announced the addition of a key piece to their 2023 bullpen: former Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Brad Boxberger was signed to a one-year deal.
Brad Boxberger’s one-year deal with the Cubs is for $2.8 million, per source.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2022
The Cub will be Boxberger’s seventh team in his soon-to-be 12-year Major League career. Boxberger previously pitched for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, and the Brewers.
Boxberger is a one-time All-Star, making the American League team in 2015, the year he led that league with 41 saves.
Brad Boxberger with the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers originally signed Boxberger ahead of the 2021 season. In his first year with the Brewers, Boxberger was 5-4 with a 3.34 ERA and four saves. He pitched in 71 games (64.2 innings) and had a WHIP of 1.07.
This past season, Boxberger was 4-3 with a 2.95 ERA and one save. He pitched in 70 games (64.0 innings) and had a WHIP of 1.23. The Brewers waived Boxberger at the end of the season, but did not bring him back after he cleared waivers.
Bullpen Jobs Are Open
So far, the Brewers have lost Brent Suter and Brad Boxberger, two key pieces of their bullpen in 2022. In addition, three other bullpen pitchers were non-tendered: Trevor Gott, Luis Perdomo, and Jandel Gustave.
Of course, the Brewers are trying to rebuild their bullpen, centered on Devin Williams as their closer. They have already added Janson Junk in the Hunter Renfroe deal, and may still add a free agent or two.
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