Report: Cubs' Brach loses $1M in restructured deal due to bout with mono
The Chicago Cubs and Brad Brach agreed to a restructured contract Tuesday, and the reliever was not originally thrilled with the change.
After agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with an option for 2020, Brach was found to have mononucleosis in his bloodstream by Cubs doctors during the team's scheduled physical, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
Brach's new contract guarantees the right-hander will earn at least $3.35 million, though escalators and options could increase the deal to a maximum of $8 million, per Bastian. Under the original parameters, Brach would have made a minimum of $4.35 million, and up to $9.5 million.
"It's done with," Brach said. "I'm here. I'm signed. I'm playing Major League Baseball and playing for the Cubs, who have a chance to win the World Series. So, at the end of the day, I can't really sit here and complain. It was unfortunate. Was I pissed? Yeah, I was pissed at the time - I think anybody would be when something like that happens. But, it's done with, it's over and I'm just ready to play now."
Brach, 32, authored a 3.59 ERA and 3.67 FIP over 62 2/3 innings between the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves last season, notching 12 saves.