The Cubs have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent pitcher Trevor Williams, according to sources. The deal, which is pending a physical, is worth $2.5 million.
Williams, 28, is coming off a tough 2020, going 2-8 with a 6.18 ERA in 11 starts for the Pirates last season. The right-hander is 31-37 with a 4.43 ERA in 94 Major-League starts. He was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh in November.
The Cubs have been searching for help to bolster the back of their starting rotation after losing Jon Lester to the Nationals and Jose Quintana to the Angels. Williams fills a need for both depth and experience. He features a four-pitch mix including a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup and a curveball which he throws sparingly.
The move is a clear swing at upside for the Cubs, who could use some in their quest to find rotation help. Williams had a standout 2018 season, going 14-10 with a 3.11 ERA.
Williams will likely compete with Adbert Alzolay, Alec Mills, Shelby Miller and new addition Kohl Stewart for a rotation spot. Young pitchers Tyson Miller and Cory Abbot may also have an outside shot at the rotation.
After the additions of Williams and outfielder Joc Pederson, the Cubs have started to make headway on their free-agent checklist after a quiet start to the offseason. While the Cubs still have some moves left in them before Spring Training begins, the team has started answering some of the major questions concerning their roster.
