MLB Transactions: Cubs Sign Joe Nathan, Colin Moran to Astros
By Nick Fustor
Cubs Sign Joe Nathan
After missing nearly all of 2015 with an elbow injury, the Chicago Cubs have signed veteran reliever Joe Nathan to a one-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2017, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Nathan, 41, last pitched well in 2013 while posting a 1.39 ERA and 43 saves before struggling for the Detroit Tigers in 2014 with a 4.81 ERA. The righty did, however, post a 3.94 FIP with 35 saves, so his value isn’t completely limited.
Nathan signed to a major league contract, but it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to pitch any time before July. MLB Trade Rumors noted that Nathan has been rehabbing on his own over the offseason, but he’ll need time in the minors before returning to major league action. When he last pitched in 2014, his velocity sat at 91.1 mph, which is only one mph lower than his 2013 average.
With a bullpen led by Hector Rondon, the rest of the Cubs pitching staff is devoid of shutdown relievers. Rondon currently has a dominant 1.35 ERA with seven saves, but the rest of the staff hasn’t been quiet as effective.
Other than Rondon, Travis Wood, Pedro Strop and Trevor Cahill have been solid but have yet to get into a consistent groove. Clayton Richard has struggled tremendously, but Adam Warren has been a shutdown force in a middle relief role.
Adding Nathan can give the team a solid setup man with the experience to lead the team deep into the postseason. And despite his age, the Cubs have plenty of relievers capable of bearing the load while Nathan rounds back into form.
Next: Houston Promotes Top Prospect