2012 MLB Free Agents: Cubs Sign Paul Maholm
By Editorial Staff
It’s being reported that the Chicago Cubs have reached a one-year agreement with free agent starting pitcher Paul Maholm. According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, Maholm’s deal is good for $4.25 million in 2012 and includes a $6.5 million team option for 2013.
Maholm has spent his entire career as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that made him the 8th overall selection in 2003 MLB Draft. The left-hander made his debut with the Pirates in 2005 and has been a prominent member of their starting rotation for the past six years.
From 2006-2011, Maholm averaged roughly 183 innings pitched per season, logging 179 starts over those six seasons. Maholm sports a career ERA of 4.36 and 1.424 WHIP with a SO/9 of 5.5 and BB/9 of 3.0.
Maholm was in the midst of one of his best seasons with the Pirates in 2011 before it was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Over his 26 starts and 162 1/3 innings pitched last year, Maholm posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.66 and 1.294.
Following the season, the Pirates decided to decline Maholm’s $9.75 option for 2012, making the 29-year-old a free agent.
Maholm joins a group of starters in Chicago that includes Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Travis Wood, Chris Volstad and Randy Wells.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.