Chicago Cubs: Recent signings, Spring Training invitees carry plenty of intrigue

Daniel Camarena, LHP

Next on this list is left-handed pitcher Daniel Camarena. Camarena is 25 and the former Yankees’ No. 31 overall prospect. The Cubs did extend a spring training invitation to him as well.

Camarena has a career 3.67 ERA in the minors. Most of his playing career is between Double-A and Triple-A. In 2017 while at Triple-A, the southpaw posted a respectable 3.28 ERA over 35 games.

The club can always use more left-handed depth, which is what Camarena could help to provide. The Yankees made him their 20th-round selection in the 2011 MLB first-year player draft.

Alberto Baldonado, LHP

Lastly, and maybe most intriguing on this list, is Alberto Baldonado. The Cubs announced the signing yesterday. He is a former prospect in the New York Mets organization before his release.

Baldonado carries a career 3.53 ERA over 191 games in the minor leagues. He originally signed as an international free-agent in 2009 and experienced his first professional season at just 17 years old.

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One thing that should intrigue fans is his size. Baldonado stands at a burly 6-4/247. That is huge. According to his scouting report, he has a relatively standard delivery and does possess a nice mix of a fastball, changeup, and a hanging curve that drops. He has also been known to touch 96 on his fastball.

A guy like Alberto Baldonado definitely brings a level of intrigue with him. While he will not make a splash with the big league club it should be fun to watch him during spring training to see what he can possibly bring.