Cubs reportedly sign RHP Kendall Graveman to one-year contract with a club option for 2020.
The Cubs added a pitcher to the Major League roster on Saturday. According to multiple reports, the Cubs agreed to terms on a Major League contract with right-hander Kendall Graveman. The Cubs have not verified signing Graveman.
Graveman had Tommy John surgery last season and is not expected to be ready to at least September 2019. Multiple reports indicated Saturday he will not be on the active roster for Opening Day and will begin the season, like Drew Smyly a year ago, on the 60-day disabled list.
Graveman’s deal includes incentives and a club option for 2020. Graveman will make $575,000 in 2019. The club option for 2020 is worth $3 million and does not include a buyout according to Bruce Levine. And if the Cubs do not pick up the option for 2020, Graveman will become a free agent.
Jon Heyman reported if Graveman is on the Cubs’ active roster for one day next season, his 2019 season increases to $2 million. Graveman can earn an additional $500,000 in performance-based bonuses.
Graveman just turned 28 (Dec. 21). He appeared in seven games, all starts, for the A’s last season and was 1-5 with a 7.60 ERA and 1.66 WHIP.
Over five seasons in the big leagues (one with Toronto, four with Oakland), Graveman is 23-29 in 83 games, 78 starts, with a 4.38 ERA and 1.37 WHIP.
Kendall Graveman’s Page on Baseball-Reference