Cubs Bolster Bullpen with Minor League Deal for bullpen-game-at-rogers-centre/” title=”Blue Jays Lose 9-4 to Twins in Frantic Bullpen Game at Rogers Centre”>Trevor Richards
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The Chicago Cubs have made another move to strengthen thier pitching depth, agreeing to a minor league contract with right-hander Trevor Richards, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Richards, a client of Apex baseball, will join the Cubs as a non-roster invitee in big league camp this spring.
Richards, 31, has spent the majority of the past four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays but was traded to the Minnesota Twins just before the 2024 trade deadline. Last season, he posted a 4.55 ERA with a 22.4% strikeout rate and a career-high 12.6% walk rate across both teams. Over the past four seasons, richards has maintained a 4.60 ERA, showcasing his ability to compete at the major league level.
One of Richards’ standout traits is his ability to miss bats. As 2021, he has recorded a combined 29.1% strikeout rate over 266 1/3 innings. However, command issues have plagued his performance, with an 11.3% walk rate and 29 wild pitches during that span. Additionally, he has struggled with home runs, allowing 1.39 per nine innings.
Despite being a right-handed pitcher, Richards has been notably more effective against left-handed batters, thanks in large part to his plus changeup. Lefties have hit just .220/.315/.371 against him in his career, while righties have fared better with a .248/.320/.433 slash line.
The Cubs have been active in adding to their bullpen this offseason, though most of their acquisitions have been marginal. They aggressively pursued top closer Tanner Scott, a departure from president Jed Hoyer’s usual reluctance to offer multi-year deals to relievers, but ultimately lost out to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Other notable additions include Caleb Thielbar and Eli Morgan, both of whom are expected to be part of the Opening Day bullpen.
Richards joins a group of non-roster signings that includes Phil Bickford, Ben Heller, and brooks Kriske. The Cubs have also added Matt Festa (acquired for cash) and Rob Zastryzny (claimed off waivers) to their bullpen mix.
Key Stats for Trevor Richards (2021–2023)
| Stat | Value |
|———————-|——————–|
| ERA | 4.60 |
| Strikeout Rate | 29.1% |
| Walk Rate | 11.3% |
| HR/9 | 1.39 |
| vs. Lefties | .220/.315/.371 |
| vs.Righties |.248/.320/.433 |
richards’ signing adds depth to a Cubs bullpen that has been a focal point of their offseason strategy.While he may not be a marquee name, his ability to generate strikeouts and neutralize left-handed hitters could make him a valuable asset in 2024.
As the Cubs continue to fine-tune their roster, fans will be watching closely to see how Richards and other new additions perform in spring training. Will Richards earn a spot on the Opening Day roster? Only time will tell,but his track record suggests he could be a hidden gem for Chicago.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Cubs’ offseason moves and how they’re shaping up for the 2024 season.
chicago Cubs’ Bullpen Boosters: A Deep Dive into the Trevor Richards Deal with justin Shea, MLB Analyst
With the Chicago Cubs actively reinforcing thier bullpen this offseason, world-today-news.com sat down with Justin Shea, a renowned MLB analyst, to discuss the recent minor league deal that brought right-hander Trevor Richards to the Cubs.
Introducing Trevor Richards to the Cubs’ Bullpen
Senior Editor (SE): Justin, let’s dive right in. The Cubs have signed Trevor Richards to a minor league contract. What can you tell us about this new addition to their bullpen?
Justin Shea (JS): Well, Trevor richards is a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who’s spent most of the past four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s known for his ability to miss bats,with a career strikeout rate over 29%. Though his command has been a bit of an issue,as seen in his double-digit walk rates in recent years.
Richards’ Pitching Repertoire and batting Splits
SE: You mentioned his strikeout rate, but what else makes Richards an intriguing pickup for the Cubs?
JS: Richards has a solid fastball-changeup combination, and he’s been notably more effective against left-handed hitters. Lefties have hit just .220 against him in his career, thanks in large part to his plus changeup. This could make him a valuable asset in late-game situations where matchups matter.
The Cubs’ bullpen Strategy This Offseason
SE: The Cubs have been quite active in bolstering their bullpen this offseason. How does Richards fit into their overall strategy?
JS: The Cubs have been aggressive in their pursuit of bullpen help, even going after top closer Tanner Scott, though they ultimately lost out. Richards, along with other non-roster invitees like Phil Bickford and Ben Heller, adds depth to a bullpen that’s been a focal point of their offseason moves. While he might not be a marquee name, Richards’ strikeout ability and lefty-neutralizing potential could make him a valuable asset in 2024.
Richards’ Path to the Opening Day Roster
SE: With a non-roster invitee to big league camp, Richards will have to earn his spot on the Opening Day roster.What are his chances, in your opinion?
JS: Spring training performance will be crucial for Richards. While he may not be a surefire lock for the Opening Day roster, his track record and potential suggest he could be a hidden gem for the Cubs.it’s definitely a situation to watch as we head into the 2024 season.
Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for more updates on the Cubs’ offseason moves and how they’re shaping up for the 2024 season.
