The Los Angeles Dodgers received an unexpected boost to its bullpen last season with the revitalization of former starting pitcher-turned reliever Brandon Morrow.
Morrow, 33, had recently enjoyed a successful two-year stint with the San Diego Padres but struggled to stay on the field, logging just 49 innings during his time with the club.
The Dodgers took a flier on Morrow prior to Spring Training, inking him to a Minor League deal, which turned out to be a great investment for both sides. He established himself as a dominant setup man and primarily served as the bridge to closer Kenley Jansen.
After a career-year, Morrow was slated to cash in with a lucrative contract this offseason. Per Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with Morrow that will earn the right-hander an annual salary in the $10 million range:
Morrow will have deal with cubs. Expected to be for 10 or 11M a year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2017
According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Morrow’s new deal with the Cubs will span two years.
Source: The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with free agent RP Brandon Morrow on a two-year deal with an option. @MLBBruceLevine first said they were close. Deal is pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 10, 2017
In 43.2 innings for the Dodgers last season, Morrow posted a minuscule 2.06 ERA, 1.55 FIP and 0.92 WHIP with 50 strikeouts to nine walks. He did not allow a home run during the regular season and accumulated 1.1 WAR (Baseball-Reference) on the year.
Morrow emerged as an iron man for the Dodgers in the postseason, becoming just the second pitcher in MLB history to pitch in all seven World Series games. What’s more, he appeared in all but one of 15 playoff contests for Los Angeles.
Morrow yielded six runs over 13.2 innings during the postseason, which was good for a 3.95 ERA. He additionally pitched to a superb 0.95 WHIP and struck out 12 batters while issuing just two walks.
