A slow-moving winter for the Cubs gained some traction Thursday when they added right-hander Brad Brach to their bullpen.
Brach, 32, agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal pending a physical, sources confirmed. The deal includes a mutual option for 2020.
The Cubs have waited out the free agent pitching market and explored trades in an effort to add two proven relievers while managing a payroll budget close to its ceiling.
Brach is the first.
The 2016 All-Star had a 1.52 ERA in 27 appearances for the Braves after a trade from the Orioles in July.
Brach has a 3.08 ERA in 424 career relief appearances for the Padres, Orioles and Braves, that included stretches as the O’s closer in 2017 and ’18.
Brach, who will turn 33 in April, went 2-4 with a 3.59 ERA overall last season.
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