Yency Almonte’s Return to the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have made a strategic move by signing Yency Almonte to a minor league contract, as reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Almonte, a reliever, showed promise last season before being sidelined by an injury. In his 17 appearances, he maintained a commendable 3.45 ERA across 15.2 innings. While his sample size is not extensive, his performance offers a glimpse of his potential contribution to a bullpen that has undergone changes in the offseason.
A Valuable Acquisition
Acquired in a trade that brought Michael Busch from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Cubs, Almonte has become a key figure in the team’s roster. The trade, which involved sending Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope to the Dodgers, has already proven beneficial for Chicago, especially with Busch’s strong start. Retaining Almonte enhances the value of the deal, provided he can return to form after recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury.
Inconsistent Performance and Potential
Despite showing flashes of brilliance with sub-3.00 ERAs in some seasons, Almonte has struggled with consistency throughout his career. This inconsistency, coupled with durability concerns due to his limited innings pitched per season, presents a challenge for the Cubs. However, the team’s decision to offer Almonte a minor league contract represents a calculated risk with the potential for significant rewards.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubs place their faith in Almonte’s abilities, the team hopes that his return will bolster their bullpen and add depth to their pitching rotation. With a blend of experience and untapped potential, Almonte’s journey back to the mound is poised to be a storyline worth following for Cubs fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.