Julian

Merryweather

Merryweather had a nice season with the Cubs in 2023, finishing with a 3.38 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 72 innings, but he’s battled some injuries since and amassed a 6.14 ERA with his velocity down about two mph these last two years. He still might be interesting in a Twins pen absent much strikeout potential.

Merryweather opted out of his minor league deal with the Mets at the beginning of August, and now he’ll add organizational depth to the Milwaukee pitching staff. The Brewers will need to add him to the 40-man if they deem him worthy of the active roster.

Merryweather heads to New York as extra organizational relief depth after struggling to a bloated 5.79 ERA across 18 2/3 innings (21 appearances) this season for the Cubs. The hard-throwing 33-year-old righty has made 152 career appearances dating back to the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Merryweather was officially cut loose on Friday after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old reliever struggled to a lackluster 5.79 ERA across 18 2/3 innings (21 appearances) this season for Chicago. He figures to latch on somewhere else as organizational relief depth.

Merryweather has been jettisoned from Chicago’s bullpen after struggling to a bloated 5.79 ERA and 15/11 K/BB ratio across 18 2/3 innings (21 appearances) this season. The hard-throwing 33-year-old has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, but he’s made 152 appearances in the big leagues since 2020.

All three players might have been non-tendered if they hadn’t agreed to terms today. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers said Merryweather will make $1.225 million next season. Thompson and Thaiss were both due something similar.

Merryweather didn’t get over the hump to merit pitching again this season after multiple rehab appearances, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell. The team anticipates that Merryweather will be ready for spring training next year.

Merryweather could rejoin the Cubs as soon as Thursday. He’s been out since late August with right knee tendinitis.

Merryweather last pitched on Aug. 25 before going on the IL with right knee tendinitis. He should be back next week if he looks good in Iowa.

Merryweather was activated off the 60-day injured list near the end of July after missing three-plus months with a shoulder strain, and he’ll now be out at least two weeks with this knee injury. Keegan Thompson will take Merryweather’s place on the roster.