According to the ever-handy transaction tracker at Baseball America (and a hat tip to the CCO), the Chicago Cubs have signed yet another young pitcher who might eventually factor into the bullpen equation.
The latest edition is more of a true minor league signing, having never pitched above AA, but 24-year-old Luis Parra does have some interesting things going for him.
Although he had some success early in his career after the Rangers signed Parra out of the Dominican Republic, it seemed he was at risk of stalling out at High-A and AA in recent years. But, in the short time he’s been tried out as a reliever, he’s had a great deal of success the last couple years.
Further, Parra has been pitching as a reliever in the Dominican Winter League this year, and, through eight innings, he has yet to give up a run or a walk. He’s allowed just six hits, and he’s struck out eight.
I’d say it’s a pretty fair bet that the Cubs signed Parra with an eye toward grooming him as reliever depth at AA/AAA in 2016. From there, you never know when a guy might be called upon to contribute, especially if he’s breaking out as a reliever.
Again, although Parra is probably more of a true minor league signing, you can include him with the Cubs’ expansive efforts to add cost-effective relievers already this offseason.