Chicago Cubs Sign Todd Wellemyer

The Chicago Cubs agreed to terms with free agent starting pitcher Todd Wellemyer on a non guaranteed one year contract worth $800,000. In total, the deal could reach $1.2MM if Wellemyer makes the Major League roster and reaches specific incentives.

Wellemyer, 32, broke with the Cubs in 2003 when he appeared in 15 games as a reliever and had an ERA of 6.51. Wellemyer’s best season came in 2008 when he went 13-9 with an ERA of 3.71. Last season he was with the San Francisco Giants, where he had a record of 3-6 with and ERA of 5.68 in 13 games (11 of which were starts).

This is not a major signing, but this does have an impact on the 25 man roster. The Cubs are expected to use Wellemyer as a swing-man this season, meaning he will likely see most of his time in the bullpen, while having a spot start every now and then.

The Cubs are expected to carry 12 pitchers coming out of spring training. With Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Carlos Zambrano, Andrew Cashner, and Randy Wells being the projected rotation that leaves Carlos Silva, Todd Wellemyer, Scott Maine, and James Russell fighting for one of two open spots in the Cubs bullpen. Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood, John Grabow, and Jeff Samardzija all have been penciled into the bullpen already. Casey Coleman, who will contend with Randy Wells for the last rotation spot, may start the year in Triple A-Iowa.