LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Cubs continued to bolster their bullpen, finalizing a two-year, $13 million contract with veteran right-hander Steve Cishek on Saturday.
Cishek, 31, enjoyed his second consecutive productive season last year, posting a 2.01 ERA over 49 appearances for the Mariners and Rays. He joined the Rays after the non-waiver Trade Deadline and compiled a 1.09 ERA over 26 appearances down the stretch.
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A former closer, Cishek has evolved into a versatile reliever, with an ability to pitch in the middle and late innings. He throws almost exclusively sinkers and sliders, both from an unusual three-quarters arm angle.
The Cubs have been busy revamping their bullpen this offseason, adding right-hander Brandon Morrow and lefty Dario Alvarez. Morrow is projected to be the closer if free agent Wade Davis does not return.
Before the Winter Meetings began, the Cubs signed right-hander Tyler Chatwood to a three-year, $38 million contract, but are still in the market for another starter.
"I think the starting market is a little slower to develop both in free agency and in trades," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "We're going to be patient. We continue to look to add pitching in the bullpen and in the rotation."
The Cubs, who have both Jacob Arrieta and John Lackey as free agents, are reportedly talking to free agent Alex Cobb about potentially filling one of the spots in their rotation.