The Chicago Cubs continued their addition of reclamation projects on Friday agreeing to a minor league deal with James McDonald. McDonald will receive an invitation to spring training.
Source-Cubs sign Pitcher James McDonald to minor league deal pending physical. Also invite to Major League camp.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 31, 2014
McDonald, 29, made six starts with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013 while dealing with shoulder discomfort. In his six-year career McDonald has a 32-30 record with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. He will compete for a spot at the back end of the Cubs rotation.
The singing of McDonald brings a lot less risk then the Cubs additon of Jason Hammel to a $5 million deal. Hamel is a lifetime 49-59 pitcher with a 4.80 ERA and 1.44 WHIP though one could point out that his career has been split between the AL East and Coors Field.
