Chicago Cubs land once sought after former top pitching prospect

When Julio Teheran was becoming a fixture in the Atlanta Braves starting rotation a decade ago, there were rumors that he was a pitcher that the Cubs had in mind in terms of a potential trade of shortstop Javier Baez.

The rumors of a potential Baez for Teheran swap were prior to Baez taking over as the full-time shortstop for the Cubs at the Major League level and the team had a need for starting pitching.

A deal between the Cubs and Braves never materialized and Teheran could continue to be a reliable middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher for Atlanta until he signed with the Los Angeles Angels prior to the 2020 season.

Teheran has been a journeyman since as he has bounced between the Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers before opening the 2024 season on the New York Mets' pitching staff.

Teheran lasted all but one start for the pitching-depleted Mets this season as he allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 2.2 innings pitched against the Atlanta Braves last week. After the start, the Mets designated Teheran for assignment.

After Teheran went unclaimed, the Cubs were able to pick up the starting pitcher on a minor-league deal over the weekend.

The Chicago Cubs land an oft-rumored trade target in Julio Teheran.

In terms of the minor league signings that the Cubs have made in the offseason and the first few weeks of the regular season, it seems the front office is determined to finally get past targets into the organization. Whether it was Dominic Smith during Spring Training, outfielder David Peralta, or now, Teheran, the Cubs are finally landing players that they have targeted in the past.

Teheran gives the Cubs another depth option for the starting rotation in the event that there is another injury or ineffectiveness.