The Cubs Are Bringing Adrian Sampson Back (Again) on a Minor League Deal
With the Cubs’ pitching staff in a state of injury-induced flux, and with the 40-man roster in constant disarray, it’s probably notable that swing-man Adrian Sampson is back in the organization.
Adrian Sampson has rejoined the Iowa Cubs. He’s signed with the Cubs as a free agent.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) May 31, 2022
Sampson, 30, made five starts and five relief appearances for the Cubs last year, and then one relief appearance this year before he was put on waivers and claimed by the Mariners.
The Mariners then tried to outright Sampson to the minors, and he declined, instead electing to go back into free agency. That’s where he re-signed with the Cubs, presumably because he sees there may be additional opportunities to swing up to the big leagues for emergency starting duty.
Sampson has gotten decent results with the Cubs and at times with the Iowa Cubs, but the peripherals are pretty ugly and there’s not much reason to believe he can be more than what he’s been: a useful arm to have available if you absolutely need him and don’t want to press someone else into service. That said, never forget that these are guys who are really just trying to do their best, hoping against hope that they can stick. No reason not to root for a great story.
