Chicago Cubs Sign Promising Lefty to Minor-League Deal

The Chicago Cubs have signed an left-handed pitcher with MLB experience to a new minor-league contract.

The Chicago Cubs finally made a move with its pitching, and while  this move wasn't for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it does give the Cubs some more depth.

The Cubs have reportedly signed Thomas Pannone, per the New York Post.  The left-handed pitcher from Cranston, R.I., made his debut in 2018, has pitched in 50 Major League games. He has 168 appearances in the minors. 

In his 50 big league appearances, he owns a 7-7 record, 5.46 ERA,  1.37 WHIP and has struck out 102 hitters in 118.2 innings pitched.

Pannone will make $800k if he makes the majors. He also received an MLB Spring Training invite as part of his deal.

This isn't going to be the big move that Cubs fans were hoping for, but this could be an arm that is used in the bullpen. Given the deal is only for $800k, there's not much risk for either side. 

This is a deal where Chicago hopes it can find a valuable left-handed reliever.

Pannone has appeared in Major League games during the 2018, 2019, and 2023 seasons. He's played in the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers.

His 2018 season with Toronto was the best of his MLB career, as he posted a 4.19 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. If he can regain that form, Chicago could decide to keep him around. If he looks how he did in his short time with Milwaukee in 2023, Pannone will likely find himself in the minors.