MESA, Ariz – There’s one thing you can guarantee when right-hander Pedro Strop is around. He’s going to be in a good mood and just by having him around, other people will also be in a good mood. Strop has been in Cubs’ camp for less than a week and his presence has already been felt around the organization.
The 35-year-old right-hander signed a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training on Saturday and after being away from his old teammates for a season, getting to be around them again feels right.
“It’s always fun when you go home,” Strop said. “That’s what I consider the Cubs. This is my home. This is my house and to come over and see my guys, my teammates and the staff, I’m just so happy to be back here.”
“It feels good when you know that your teammates, your boys miss you. That means a lot to me. That means whatever I was doing, I was doing it right. I was being a good teammate, a good brother. I was happy to hear that. At the same time, I was a little sad and it was a little weird for me to go to a different side and see my boys from the other side.”
It wasn’t smooth sailing for Strop after his successful seven-year run with the Cubs and after signing with the Reds in 2020, he was designated for assignment in August. He returned to the Cubs on a minor-league deal last season and worked at the alternate site before being shut down due to injury.
Strop said on Wednesday that he had similar minor-league deals on the table from other teams, but the chance to get coming home to the Cubs was a no-brainer.
“He’s like a ray of sunshine in camp,” president Jed Hoyer said. “That guy’s never had a bad day and he lifts everyone else up and it’s fun to have him around.”
While being back with his old teammates has been fun, Strop still thinks he can contribute in the Cubs’ bullpen season. Health will be a big part of him doing that and after sustaining injuries the last few seasons.
The Cubs’ reliever says he’s dropped 25 pounds since the offseason that he feels will help him prevent injuries and ease the wear-and-tear on his legs.
“Right now, I’m 100 percent and I’m so happy where I’m at right now,” Strop said. “I don’t have any issues at all. I’m not even going to the training room to do anything. I’m just going through my stuff, working out, a lot of stretching. That’s stuff that I’m adding now that I’m getting a little older.
Cubs add Sogard on Minor-League deal
The Cubs have signed infielder Eric Sogard to a minor-league deal, according to a source. The deal is still pending a physical.
Sogard, 34, provides the Cubs with some additional flexibility with his ability to play all four infield spots and provide a left-handed at-bat off the bench.
The 34-year-old infielder has a career .209/.281/.278 slash line and hit .209 with a homer and 10 RBIs in 43 games for the Brewers last season.
