The Cubs have signed free-agent right-hander Josh Staumont, according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SKOR North Radio. Staumont, who was recently released by the Twins after being designated for assignment, will join the Cubs’ Triple-A team in Iowa.
Staumont, 30, had a respectable 3.70 ERA over 24 1/3 innings with Minnesota before his release. However, his velocity was significantly lower than usual, and he posted poor strikeout and walk rates. He struck out only 17.6% of batters, a drop from the 26.2% strikeout rate he had before the season.
The decline in strikeouts did not come with better control. Staumont, who had a 13% walk rate with the Royals from 2019-23, issued walks to 13.7% of batters with the Twins. His 5.06 SIERA suggests his performance was not as strong as his ERA might imply.
Despite his struggles with command, Staumont showed promise as a key member of the Kansas City bullpen in 2020-21. The 2015 second-round pick logged 91 1/3 innings for the Royals during those years, posting an impressive 2.76 ERA, a strong 29% strikeout rate, and an 11.4% walk rate.
In 2020, Staumont averaged over 98 mph with his fastball and nearly 97 mph in 2021. However, injuries have since taken a toll on his performance. He has dealt with biceps, knee, calf, and neck issues, and his 2023 season was cut short by thoracic outlet surgery last summer.
The Twins signed Staumont to a one-year, $950K deal during the offseason. They are responsible for the remaining amount of the contract, minus the prorated league minimum for any time Staumont spends on the Cubs’ major league roster, which the Cubs would cover. If Staumont performs well enough to be promoted to the majors with the Cubs, he will be eligible for arbitration this winter and could potentially be retained through the 2025 season.
