Cubs sign Jose Veras to 1-year, $4 million deal

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to one-year, $4 million deal with free-agent reliever Jose Veras that includes incentives and a club option for a second year, reports Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes.

The right-hander will earn $5.5 million in 2015 if the Cubs pick up the option.

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Veras, 33, will be the Cubs’ closer in 2014 pending a physical. He was 0-5 with a 3.02 ERA, 8.6 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 for the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers last season, recording 19 saves for Houston and two after he was traded to Motown. He also had four blown saves and gave up a grand slam to Shane Victornio in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.

Veras’, who must pass a physical, fastball clocks in between 93-96 mph and a slider that breaks about eight inches, which ranges between 79-83 mph.

Veras has also pitched for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers during an eight-year career.

He was previously traded from the Pirates to the Brewers after the 2011 season for Casey McGehee.

A great pick up by the Cubs, if Veras can close, Pedro Strop would be a useful setup man with James Russell. Veras and Strop could also fight for the job during spring training in Mesa.