The Chicago Cubs designated one of their top pitching prospects for assignment after latest signing.
The Chicago Cubs went out and made a move to add depth to their starting rotation by signing former Milwaukee Brewer Colin Rea to a one-year $5 million deal. In a corresponding move the Chicago Cubs designated top pitching prospect Michael Arias for assignment per MLB Trade Rumors.
Michael Arias (No. 18 prospect)
The 23-year-old Michae Arias was the Cubs No. 18 overall prospect and was protected on the Cubs 40-man roster earlier this offseason. Michael Arias struggled in thirty-three relief appearances at Triple-A last season where he had a 5.45 ERA. The sidewinding right-hander would have had a chance to be a really solid bullpen option for the Chicago Cubs, but unfortunately he was never able to throw strikes consistently.
Being he’s a sidewinder, his fastball will have a lot of run on in and given he can get it up to around 98-mph in spurts it could be an effective weapon for him. Sadly, the ability that Arias has will have to be with another organization since he was just DFA’d to make room for Colin Rea.
Colin Rea
The Chicago Cubs signed the 34-year-old Rea to be a swing man in both the bullpen and the rotation for the Cubs. With having experience and success in each, Rea could figure to be a big part of the Cubs pitching staff and with being more of a proven talent than Arias the move made a lot of sense for the Cubs. Michael Arias will now be placed on waivers and the Cubs will have five days to either trade Arias which they shouldn’t have an issue doing. The Chicago Cubs 40-man roster with this move is now back to being full.
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
