Chicago Cubs: Brett Anderson signs with Toronto

Brett Anderson turned in a brief, tumultuous tenure as a member of the Chicago Cubs. He now has a new team in a new league as he heads to the AL East.

Every offseason, front offices look for ways to improve their teams. Sometimes, it’s making a big splash on the trade market. Other times, it’s a simple depth signing in free agency. For the Chicago Cubs, they looked for a depth piece – inking Brett Anderson to a one-year deal, worth $3.5 million.

In this case, it did not work out.

During his time with the Cubs, Anderson pitched to an 8.18 ERA in six starts. In 22 innings, Anderson gave up 34 hits, walking 12 and striking out 16. Like the rest of his career, his season was unfortunately derailed by an injury. Anderson went on the 60-day DL in May with a bad back. He was designated for assignment in late July, before being officially released on August 1.

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Anderson was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2006 draft. About a year-and-a-half later, Anderson was traded to the A’s, in a trade that sent Dan Haren to the Diamondbacks.

Over the course of his career, Anderson made 121 starts across parts of nine seasons. He has seen time with the Athletics, Rockies, Dodgers, Cubs, and maybe Toronto later on this season.

He posted a 3.99 ERA over 707 2/3 innings, giving up 755 hits in the process. He struck out 523 batters, while walking 195 to a 3.72 FIP.

Injuries mount as Blue Jays hope for a rebound

Anderson has always had some good stuff, but his best days are behind him, with his injury history. He has only made a full season’s worth of starts twice in nine seasons.

It didn’t take Anderson long to find work again. On Monday, he inked a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He is expected to report to their Triple-A affiliate. With the Blue Jays all but out of the race, Anderson will provide a nice depth piece for Toronto down the stretch. This will likely help save some other arms, namely Marcus Stroman.

Next: Offense has been inconsistent

Guys like Anderson, who can provide innings and have a track record of success when healthy, should never have too much trouble finding a job. But, when you’ve had Tommy John, along with an assortment of other injuries, it would be understandable as to why teams would be skeptical of signing a pitcher like him.