Overview
- The Cubs agreed to a one-year major-league contract with right-hander Jake Woodford on Saturday and cleared a roster spot by designating right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment.
- Woodford is a 2015 compensatory first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals who has a mixed big-league résumé of 127 games with an 11-17 record and a 5.25 ERA.
- His long minor-league track record shows volume and durability, with 818 innings and a 3.93 ERA across 11 seasons that make him a candidate to eat bulk innings.
- Woodford had opted out of a Milwaukee Brewers minor-league deal in early July, which allowed the Cubs to sign him quickly as they cope with multiple injured starters and relievers.
- Wilson now has seven days for the club to trade, release, or outright him, and the front office is expected to keep pursuing additional pitching before the trade deadline.