Chicago Cubs: Is it too early to worry about the 2020 bullpen?

Chicago Cubs Should the Cubs buy out the final year of Morrow’s contract?

Before the 2018 season the Cubs signed Brandon Morrow to a two-year deal. When Morrow was healthy he pitched well for the Cubs. He had a 1.47 ERA and 2.97 FIP in 35 appearances covering 30 2/3 innings. Morrow recorded 50 strikeouts and walked just nine batters. Perhaps most importantly he had 22 saves in 24 opportunities.

Unfortunately, he spent a large portion of last season on the disabled list. In June he was placed on the disabled list with back tightness after comically injuring himself taking off his pants. A month later he was back on the disabled list with a second injury that ended his season.

This November, Morrow had surgery on his right elbow that was described as a clean up procedure. Recovering from this surgery is going to cause him to not be ready for the beginning of the season.

The right-hander’s option for next season is at an increased salary of $12 million. However, his contract also has a $3 million buyout. So after this season the Cubs can either pay Morrow $3 million not to pitch for them or pay him $9 million more to continue to be a part of their bullpen.

As the free agent market continues to collapse, that $9 million may be too steep a price to pay – especially for a guy you can’t count on health-wise.