Cubs’ first offseason signing already has fans laughing for the wrong reasons

Jed Hoyer told reporters at the GM Meetings that the Chicago Cubs would look at every level to address their need for pitching, and he is a man of his word. The Cubs have reportedly completed their first signing of the offseason, but it's a move that will allow for the jokes to write themselves. The Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Sam Mettert to a minor-league deal.

If you have no idea who Mettert is, trust us, you're not alone. The 22-year-old from St. John's University went undrafted earlier this season and recently spent his time working out at Tread Athletics. What likely caught the Cubs' eye is the fact that he throws 98 mph.

Mettert flashed some intriguing traits in his first season at St. John's, striking out over 25% of the hitters he faced in 21 appearances out of the bullpen. Last season, there was regression, posting an ERA of 9.55 while only striking out 16.8% of the hitters he faced. He'll also need some work with his command, walking 13.75% during his two years of college ball.

The Cubs went to a strange source for their first minor-league signing of the offseason.

It would seem that baseball wasn't at the forefront of Mettert's mind, considering he was debating going to grad school before signing with the Cubs.

There certainly will be jokes made at the Cubs' expense over this signing, but in all seriousness, there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the move. The Cubs are bringing in an arm with very few innings pitched, with a high-velocity fastball into their pitching infrastructure. The Cubs haven't prioritized power pitching in recent years, so targeting Mettert could indicate a shift in philosophy. Still, it will be a few years before Cubs fans see Mettert at the Major League level.

Circling to the bullpen at the Major League level, it would seem that the Cubs will take a cautious approach. While they would like to have Brad Keller back, it doesn't sound like they will be the team to set his market. As it stands, Keller is in line for a multi-year deal that would go against the strategy previously deployed by the Cubs when it comes to signing veteran relief pitchers.

In the meantime, the Cubs have a new pitching prospect who could turn into a hidden gem, or likely, be forgotten in a few years.