Chicago Cubs Sign Former New York Mets Veteran Right-Handed Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs have signed a former New York Mets right-handed starting pitcher.

Apr 8, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) pitches / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Dealing with injuries to their starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs decided they needed help on that front. Jameson Taillon is expected to return this week, but with Justin Steele still out, the Cubs could use all the help they can get.

To help, Chicago has signed former New York Mets starting pitcher Julio Teheran, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Teheran, made his debut in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves, playing with them until the 2019 season. Since 2020, the right-hander has played for four teams, making the Cubs his fifth in that span.

Prior to the 2020 season, the Colombia native had been an inning eater, throwing in over 174 2/3 innings in seven straight seasons dating from 2013 to 2019.

He's seen his workload diminish since, throwing less than 72.0 innings in each season from 2020 to 2023.

Teheran was signed by the Mets as a depth piece but after one start, the team decided to go its separate ways. The two-time All-Star will now have an opportunity to show Chicago that he still has something in the tank.

His first start with New York was disappointing, allowing four earned runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

The Cubs are coming off an impressive series win against the Seattle Mariners, a promising sign for what's to come this year. While the addition of Teheran likely won't be the reason Chicago wins the NL Central, another veteran arm never hurts.

In the 2023 season, he started 11 games for the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 4.40 ERA. A 4.40 ERA isn't great, but it's serviceable for a fifth arm or a spot starter, which he could be with the Cubs.