Cubs add another low-cost reliever, sign Ryan Tepera to one-year deal

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Friday, the Cubs announced the signing of right-hander Ryan Tepera to a one-year deal. The club didn’t disclose terms of the contract, but according to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, it’s a split deal worth $900K if Tepera is in the big leagues and $300K in the minor leagues.

The 32-year-old Tepera has spent the past five seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 216 career appearances (one start), he has a 3.64 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He’s struck out 203 batters (8.48 K/9) compared to 77 walks in 215 1/3 innings.

Tepera, who has a minor league option remaining, has averaged 43 appearances per season as a big-leaguer. He made a career-high 73 appearances in 2017 and followed with 68 appearances in 2018. Last season, he pitched in 23 games, missing more than three months with a right elbow impingement. The injury kept him out from mid-May until Sept. 1.

The Cubs have made several low-cost bullpen moves this offseason. Because their 2020 payroll is projected to be up against the $208 million luxury tax threshold, the Cubs seem wary of making any big-money acquisitions before clearing money off the books.  

Tepera isn’t a household name, but he adds depth for the bullpen at a low price. The 40-man roster now stands at 39.

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