Chicago Cubs Sign 8-Year Veteran Pitcher

Veteran left-handed reliever Richard Bleier has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs following his release from the Boston Red Sox.

Bleier, 36, struggled this season with a 5.28 ERA in 30.1 innings for the Red Sox, compounded by a shoulder injury.

Despite this, his career has been marked by a solid sub-3.00 ERA in multiple seasons, relying on inducing ground balls, maintaining a low walk rate, and consistent exit velocities.

The Cubs have signed former Red Sox reliever Richard Bleier to a MiLB deal, per @PJ_Mooney of The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/UQbHM3hk7Q

— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) August 17, 2023

The Cubs have assigned him to Triple-A Iowa with the intention of assessing his potential to regain his form and potentially address their left-handed reliever needs.

Bleier's unique approach as a pitcher, emphasizing efficiency and contact management over strikeouts, has historically proven effective.

His ability to generate ground balls and limit hard contact could prove valuable in high-pressure situations. The decision to send him to the minor leagues aligns with the common practice of providing experienced players with the opportunity to fine-tune their skills away from the spotlight.

Always looking for more depth at Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs have signed lefty reliever Richard Bleier to a minor-league deal. Bleier, who was released by the Red Sox last week, has a 3.27 career ERA in 335 major-league appearances, mostly with the Orioles and Marlins.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) August 17, 2023

The Cubs' focus on evaluating Bleier's potential to fill a specific role underscores their commitment to player development and strategic bullpen management.

As Bleier joins the Triple-A Iowa team, he faces the chance to rehabilitate his performance and health. The Cubs are making a calculated move, looking beyond the surface of his recent struggles to uncover the pitcher who has maintained a consistent track record of success.

Time will tell if Bleier can recapture his previous form and contribute to the Cubs' bullpen, exemplifying the resilience and strategic decision-making inherent in baseball's player development process. Photo Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports