In the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, June 1 is a universal opt out date for certain big league veterans who’ve signed minor league deals. For those players, if they aren’t on a 40-man roster by June 1, they have the option of heading back out into free agency.
For the Chicago Cubs, it means two depth relievers are heading out for opportunities elsewhere:
Right-hander Tyler Duffey is opting out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, source said. Duffey posted a 4.43 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 18 appearances with Triple-A Iowa.— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 1, 2023
Right-hander Vinny Nittoli has opted out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, source said. Nittoli registered a 3.48 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 20.2 innings this season with Triple-A Iowa.— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 1, 2023
Duffey, 32, was a long-successful middle reliever with the Twins before signing a minor league deal with the Cubs, and then almost making the bullpen out of Spring Training. Back in the days of a nine-man bullpen, I suspect he would’ve made it. But, as it played out, he was one of the last guys cut, and then battled massive control problems at Triple-A Iowa. It was not likely he was going to get a look any time soon from the big league team, so opting out is probably best for him, and arguably best for the Cubs, too, who can use those innings/that roster spot on a prospect.
Nittoli, also 32, doesn’t have the same track record of big league success as Duffey, but had been pitching to better numbers at Iowa. He’s been a very good Triple-A reliever for a number of years, but just hasn’t gotten that long-term big league shot. He may yet get it elsewhere, though I wonder if there’s a chance the Cubs try to bring him back on a sweetened deal. Yes, you want to open up innings for younger pitchers, but you do also want to preserve SOME depth, just in case.
