The Cubs signed two more lefties to minor league contracts. According to Baseball America, the Cubs have inked LHP Luis Cruz and LHP Scott Barnes to minor league deals. Baseball America also confirmed the Cubs signed RHP Stephen Fife to a minor league contract.
Luis Cruz, 25, was selected in the ninth round of the 2008 draft by the Astros and has spent his entire pro career in Houston’s system. Cruz was released in November to make room on the Astros’ 40-man roster.
Cruz is another versatile pitcher. Cruz has appeared in 174 games in the minors, 136 of those were as a starter. Cruz was 7-5 last season for Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast League) in 28 games, 19 starts, with a 4.27 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Cruz allowed 60 runs, 55 earned, on 119 hits with 52 walks and 93 strikeouts in 116 innings.
Luis Cruz has not pitched in the majors.
• Luis Cruz’s Page on Baseball Reference
Scott Barnes, 28, last pitched in the majors in 2013 with the Indians. Barnes appeared in six games, all in relief, and was 0-1 with a 7.27 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Barnes made 22 appearances over two seasons (2012, 2013) out of the Indians pen. Barnes is 0-1 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in his big league career.
Barnes was in the Blue Jays system this past season. Barnes made 30 appearances and six starts for Double-A New Hampshire and pitched in three games, all in relief, for Triple-A Buffalo. Barnes was a combined 3-6 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Barnes allowed 37 runs, 36 earned, on 73 hits with 15 walks and 52 strikeouts.
• Scott Barnes’ Page on Baseball-Reference
Players Signed to Minor League Contracts
The following players have signed minor league contract with the Cubs this off-season. The full list of players that will be non-roster invitees to Spring Training should be released after the first of the year. Brandon Gomes, Stephen Fife, Jean Machi, Drew Rucinski, Kelly Dugan, Luis Cruz, Scott Barnes and Juan Perez are expected to be in big league camp this spring.
Pitchers
- Brandon Gomes, RHP
- Stephen Fife, RHP
- Jean Machi, RHP
- Drew Rucinski, RHP
- Luis Parra, LHP
- Scott Barnes, LHP
- Jack Leathersich, LHP
- Luis Cruz, LHP
Catchers
- None
Infielders
- None
Outfielders
- Kelly Dugan
- Juan Perez
The Cubs have announced signing Drew Rucinski, Luis Parra, Jean Machi, Brandon Gomes and Juan Perez, but have not released a list of the players the team has added this off-season on minor league deals.
Additional minor league signings should be reported in the coming days.