Chicago Cubs pass on Suk-Min Yoon, who signs with Baltimore

Dec 10, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager

talks with reporters during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Several reports indicated that the Chicago Cubs had continuing concerns over the health of right-hander Suk-Min Yoon, who has reportedly come to terms on an incentive-laden $5.575 million, three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, pending the outcome of a physical.

Now, passing a physical with the Orioles seems to be a task in and of itself, evidenced by the struggles of now-Rays closer Grant Balfour and former Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin, both of whom saw deals fall through courtesy of medical issues in Baltimore.

The incentives in the deal could increase the total value of the contract to north of $13 million. MLBTR detailed the somewhat complicated contract, as a whole, in a post earlier this morning:

The contract features a slightly backloaded and rather complicated structure. Yoon will receive a $675K signing bonus, then earn $750K for the coming season, $1.75MM in 2015, and $2.4MM in 2016. On top of that, Yoon can earn $1.25MM in incentives in 2014 based upon games started. Reaching that milestone would also bump his 2015 base by $1.25MM. The same mechanism allows Yoon to earn $1.25MM in incentives for 2015 and add as much as $2.5MM to his 2016 base salary (and, once more, earn a $1.25MM incentive payday in that final year of the deal).

The Korean right-hander was believed to be the best pitcher in the KBO behind now-Dodgers hurler Hyun-jin Ryu, who is expected to play a major role in Los Angeles’ quest for a World Series title in 2014. Yoon will look to compete for a rotation spot in Baltimore, which has been near-silent this offseason, despite being – in many peoples’ opinion – just a few pieces from becoming a legitimate contender.