The Cubs have signed Tsuyoshi Wada to a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, the team announced. Wada, who is represented by Octagon, is viewed by the Cubs as a starter, tweets Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.
Wada, 32, posted a 2.76 ERA with a 60-to-22 K/BB ratio over his final 78 1/3 innings for the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in 2013 as he worked his way back from 2012 Tommy John surgery. Though he inked a two-year, $8.15MM contract with the O's prior to the 2012 campaign, Wada's injury prevented him from ever pitching in Baltimore.
The Cubs have plenty of starting pitching depth with Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, Edwin Jackson, Jake Arrieta, Carlos Villanueva, Justin Grimm, Chris Rusin and Arodys Vizcaino all in the system, so Wada will have to be impressive in order to earn a spot.
I had hoped the Seattle Mariners would sign Tsuyoshi Wada as a lefthanded complement to Hisashi Iwakuma, who like Wada came to the United States following the 2011 season after the two same-age starters posted nearly identical career numbers in Japan’s Pacific League.
Wada’s much more of a finesse pitcher though. Still seems like a potential low-risk, decent reward type move.
The Cubs really love those japanese pitchers like they love their ex Red Sox players.
The Cubs do have depth. Talent? Time will tell.
Arodys Vizcaino will probably never be a starting pitcher.
Agreed. His injury history has him pegged for a late inning role. Which fits him perfectly b/c he throws gas.
It’s surprising the most innings he’s had at one level was 71 in A ball (age 19). He advanced 5 levels in 2 years. Been rehabbing for two years so really he hasn’t progressed slowly. He just turned 23. A year of relieving healthy and they will give him a shot at starting in 2015.
I don’t know how much was physical vs. how much was mental. Wada was dreadful during his run down in Norfolk until the last few starts. Good luck, Chicago.
Bound to have rust recovering from TJS for 18 months.
If can pitch like he did in 2011 when he led Fukuoka to the Japan Series, he will be a force to be reckoned with… if…
If he is recovered then its not a bad grab for an 8th starter. Mix in Kyle Hendricks, Liam Hendriks, Neil Ramirez and the Cubs a deeeeep pool of starting pitching. Not to mention Pierce Johnson and CJ Edwards will be in AA.