The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement on a one-year contract with free-agent right-hander Trevor Williams, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
The deal is worth $2.5 million, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. Its completion is pending a physical, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Williams' father Richard, a Chicago native who grew up a Cubs fan, could hardly contain his excitement in the hours after learning his son was headed to Wrigley Field.
I was born and raised in Chicago. Watched Ernie Banks hit is 500th HR in May of 1970. I worked 4 summers as an usher at Wrigley. This is a dream. Wake me up. This pic was at Wrigley in 2018. It was so cold that night. I am warm tonight. pic.twitter.com/kzpV7hWXAQ
— RICHARD WILLIAMS (@SDRICH7777) January 31, 2021
Williams had spent his entire five-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before he was designated for assignment in November. He became a free agent after going unclaimed following the DFA.
The 28-year-old struggled during the shortened 2020 season, posting a 6.18 ERA, 6.30 FIP, and 1.57 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 21 walks over 11 starts. He also allowed an MLB-high 15 home runs.
For his career, Williams owns a 31-37 record with a 4.43 ERA, 4.57 FIP, and 1.34 WHIP while averaging seven strikeouts per nine innings pitched. His best season came in 2018 when he posted career marks in multiple categories and led Pittsburgh's starters in ERA (3.11) and ERA+ (126).
Williams will join a Cubs rotation that's lost multiple pieces this winter, including National League Cy Young finalist Yu Darvish and veteran left-hander Jon Lester. Williams is the second starter the team has added so far this offseason, joining right-hander Zach Davies, who was part of the return for Darvish.
The Cubs are likely to add one more starting pitcher before spring training, sources told Rogers.
