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Cubs Make A Depth Move To Strengthen Their Pitching Staff

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Curt Bishop | Last updated 1/12/23

The Chicago Cubs have made another move to strengthen the depth of their roster heading into the 2023 season.

Early on Thursday, the team signed right-hander Vinny Nittoli to a minor league contract.

The 32-year-old will earn $775K if he reaches the big leagues and $162K if he stays in the minor leagues.

Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2014, Nittoli did not make his MLB debut until the 2021 season.

He appeared in just one game and allowed two runs in an inning of work.

The veteran found a new home with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022.

He appeared in just two games, but did not allow a run.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the news.

The #Cubs signed veteran right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli with an invite to spring training. He'll earn $775,000 in the big leagues or $162,000 in the minors. Nittoli, 32,pitched two games for the #Phillies last year and also in the minors for the #Yankees and #BlueJays in 2022

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2023

The Cubs have already made a few key moves this offseason.

They recently signed veteran left-hander Ryan Borucki to a minor league contract.

The also signed Brad Wieck to a two-year minor league deal.

To bolster their starting rotation, they signed right-hander Jameson Taillon and lefty Drew Smyly.

In addition to their pitching moves, the North Siders signed Dansby Swanson, Tucker Barnhart, and Cody Bellinger to strengthen their lineup.

Nittoli will receive an invite to Major League spring training and will have an opportunity to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster by potentially landing a bullpen role.

Chicago won just 74 games during the regular season, falling short of the postseason and finishing 15 games behind their arch-rivals in the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.

But the team looks slightly better entering the 2023 season after having signed a few free agents.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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