Cubs Take Flier on Pitcher Colten Brewer with Minor-League Deal

Originally a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2011 MLB Draft, Brewer has struggled with command at the big-league level. However, his solid groundball rates and strikeout percentages with past teams offer intrigue.

His most notable major-league tenure came with the Boston Red Sox. where over three seasons, From 2019-21, Brewer posted a 4.98 ERA across 81.1 innings, striking out over 20% of batters and maintaining a 50.4% groundball rate. However, a high walk rate of 13.3% plagued his efforts.

Brewer was designated for assignment by the Red Sox in 2021 and didn't return to the big leagues in 2022. However, he logged an outstanding 1.35 ERA with the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, leading to a successful stint with Japan's Hanshin Tigers. Brewer posted a 2.19 ERA overseas.

The Cubs are hoping to unlock under-the-radar talent in Brewer, much like they have with reclamation projects Michael Leiter Jr. and Julian Merryweather. With veterans Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger departing, Chicago needs to restock its reliever depth.

Brewer will head to Spring Training and vie for a spot in the bullpen alongside the likes of Daniel Palencia and Jose Cuas. Despite Brewer's signing, the Cubs are rumored to be in the market for additional high-caliber relief pitchers, including former Tampa Bay Rays righty Robert Stephenson and seasoned closer Liam Hendriks.