Feb. 15: Chicago’s announcement of the contract reveals that Cedeno’s contract is actually a non-guaranteed Major League deal, meaning he’s been added to the team’s 40-man roster. He can still be cut for only a portion of that salary this spring, but the Cubs would be on the hook for the full $900K if he makes the Opening Day roster.
Feb. 13, 8:28pm: MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that Cedeno can earn an additional $300K worth of incentives on the contract. He’ll be in Major League camp as a non-roster invitee.
7:52pm: The Cubs are in agreement on a contract with left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno, per Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link). Mooney further tweets that it’s a non-guaranteed deal that would pay Cedeno a $900K base salary if he makes the roster. Cedeno is represented by MDR Sports Management.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein voiced earlier this week that he hoped to be able to “squeeze” one more reliever into the team’s apparently limited budget (Twitter link via Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago), and landing Cedeno on a non-guaranteed deal is certainly a nice means of doing so. The southpaw split the 2018 season between the White Sox and the Brewers, pitching to a terrific 2.43 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 4.3 BB/9, 0.27 HR/9 and a 54.4 percent ground-ball rate in 33 1/3 innings. That marked a strong bounceback effort for the former Rays reliever, who pitched just three innings in 2017 owing to a forearm injury.
Though the 32-year-old Cedeno is far from a household name, he had a solid run from 2014-16 leading up to that forearm issue. In 94 1/3 innings in that time, he worked to a 3.05 ERA with 95 strikeouts against 27 walks with just seven home runs allowed. He’s been especially hard on left-handed hitters throughout his career, holding same-handed opponents to a bleak .218/.285/.298 batting line over the life of 384 plate appearances.
The Cubs aren’t exactly short on left-handed volume in the ’pen, with Mike Montgomery, Brian Duensing, Randy Rosario and Kyle Ryan each already on the 40-man roster, though Cedeno will give them yet another depth option with a fair bit of MLB experience to add to that mix.
just happy he’s off the brewers. thank god.
Because he had ONE bad postseason inning? Guess you want Jefress gone too.
Take it easy on him. Brewers fans are still learning about the sport.
I’m a Brewers fan, actually, but good one!
Happy to see you’re following Cubs news
“news”
95% of the fans from last year didn’t show up til late August anyway. They couldn’t name 10 players on the team they follow
Cubs’ fans really don’t have much of a leg to stand on when talking about fairweather or largely clueless fan bases.
You’re kidding, right. A team that sells out nearly every game, even when the team is garbage, vs. a team that has to offer pre-sale specials to its home ‘fans’ to keep that other team’s fans from traveling an hour north and filling the stadium? Nice try, though.
Miller park had one of the best attendance rates last year (I think it was 3rd). For a small market team thats pretty incredible.
They were 10th which for a small market team is pretty good. But still, do some research first. Cubs were 5th for what it’s worth.
The guy had a 1.13 ERA as a Brewer in the regular season.
Seems about right for a guy who only pitched 33 innings last year. He was pretty solid in his 8 innings for Milwaukee, though! 😉
Leftie insurance
AKA the Titan Missile System.
Patrick Mooney… YES!!! High fives and butt smacks to ya buddy.
Does anyone really care who broke the story?
NOPE. And if we didn’t have to give credit every time somebody finally got one right, we probably wouldn’t have reporters jumping the gun and putting out wrong information ALL THE TIME. More important to be first than right these days.
Why did someone down vote this?
Another Dumpster dive of a Brewer reject—Nice job Theo, next up will be Axford. Heck might as well get Brooks Kieschnick while you’re at it. Wait, no don’t do that, I liked him as a Brewer.
When’s the last time the Brewers won a WS Title? Because I’m pretty sure Theo has won, what, 3 in that time?
Give us 108 years and maybe we can win one too…..
40 down 68 to go.
And a budget that’s 60-80% higher than we do. I’ve actually had a couple beers with Theo, I respect him at his job but laugh as his owners are the cause of the diving.
Had to throw in that you had a couple beers with him huh? Stop begging for attention
cubs fans living in 2016 lmao
Same as us—if we can win one. Lol
I know they are pathetic
Hahaha…. 190….. NEVAH! It’s ok to live in 2016, is it that long ago?!? Hahaha. they literally have the same core still intact that won.
You mean the same core that couldn’t win the division or get past Colorado at home in the wild card game last year?
You’re still holding on to a tainted mvp win from Aaron Braun aka Ryan Rodgers aka Ryan Braun. (They look exactly alike if you dont get the metaphor.
Hahaha brewcrewO…. never. Let’s put this in perspective. The Cubs have made the playoffs the same amount of times in the last 4 years as the Brewers have IN.THEIR.ENTIRE.PATHETIC.EXISTENCE. Including before MLB booted them out of the AL. THAT is why people find it comical when Brewer fans run their mouth. Excited about making it the NLCS? Do they have a parade for that? Cool, during this same span, the Cubs went to 3 of those in a row. They also won something called a World Series ring, but we’ll discuss what that is later. Let’s get you cheeseheads walking before you worry about running. Haha
Cubs fans are so passionate
Are we not counting the Milwaukee Braves? You know the team that played in Milwaukee in the 50’s and 60’s. If so they won a World Series title which is why I’m sure you chose not to include them in your argument. So with counting the Milwaukee braves and Milwaukee brewers they have 1 World Series title from 1953-2018. The Chicago Cubs have have 3 from 1902-2018. If you count the Chicago white stockings, colts and orphans(stupid name) Chicago has 3 titles from 1876-2018. Is 3 titles in 142 years much better than 1 in 65 years? Then again I’m sure you didn’t even know the cubs history since you probably became a fan in 2016. Oh and the cubs in their history are 3-8 in World Series and a non rain delay away against Cleveland from being 2-9. Wouldn’t exactly call that a powerhouse
Sure, the Braves would love to hand the Brewers their WS. Just like Giants will give their rings to NY and the Dodgers to Brooklyn. I get that as a Brewer fan that you desperately have to reach for selective reasoning. Maybe Minneapolis should celebrate all the Lakers titles. Hahaha, the REALITY is just what I said. Again, FACTS. The Cubs have made the playoffs the same amount of times the last 4 years as the Brewers have EVER. FACT, the young core that won the WS in ‘16 is still intact, still a part of the team playing today.
This current Cubs team/front office has NOTHING to do with teams past. Good or Bad. The playoff appearances in the early 2000’s, 90’s, 80’s etc…. Sandberg, Dunston, Sosa, etc… aren’t helping this team anytime soon, just like Yount, Molitor, etc… have anything for the Brewers. So, look at the past, look at the present, future… wherever your cheesehead time machine will take you so you can twist the narrative, but the actual FACTS remain. No Brewer fan has any business talking trash to a Cubs fan.
Be nice and maybe we’ll let you have your ballpark back. So thirsty and desperate, geographically limiting your ticket sales to TRY and keep Cub fans from continuing to take over your home park, hahaha. You should be grateful for Cub fans stimulating your sales. MLB already bounced your floundering franchise out of the AL. Get booted out of the NL what’s next? The PCL? Hahaha, I’ve wasted enough time with you. Go troll the Baltimore board, that might be a lil more your speed.
Someone want to tell this guy Brooks Kieschnick was drafted by and played for the Cubs BEFORE the Brewers?
Exactly my point. I liked him being a brewer, not a cub. He actually fit the mold of someone from Sconnie better than Chicago.
Nahhhh, it’s like making fun of the kid that rides the short bus. Just leave the Brewer fans alone, let them eat their paste in peace.
What’s with the trend this offseason of so many calling minor league/non guaranteed deals dumpster diving on every post? Getting really old
Cause one idiot troll has a catchphrase and everyone is joining in. It’s called having no life
K.
Yeah you are the idiot troll l, get a life
downvoted
Complaints about catchphrases are all much ado about nothing.
*machado about nothing. Like this offseason
Think Derek Turnbow is available. Lol, Xedano is a straight loogy and alright at it wish him well. Not really a needle mover other than noting the Cubs are signing brewers castoffs. Guess imitation if the most sincere form of flatery.
He pitched briefly with some success for the White Sox last year, and I agree that he’s a potentially useful, low-cost option for the Cubs.
He was decent and these are the signings that they review in October in the playoffs. and I’m a Brewer fan
Good depth signing
I would assume he would make the bullpen to replace Wilson.
Dumpster Divin’ Theo!
Get a life chi town
Same line every time.
K.
These cubs signings are hopefully a precursor to another great season. It would suck if their window is closing because of the terrible FA contracts and (lack of) farm system the past couple years.
Their lack of farm system? It lacks because they all graduated and won a ring. The talent at the lower levels will be mature and ready when needed, all good.
It sucks because their last 3 drafts have been poor. Theo can only draft well in the top picks.
It sucks when novice fans don’t have a clue what they are talking about. You do realize Theo’s late 1st round pick from last year (Hoerner) is doing really well? Their 2017 late 1st rounder (Little) also doing well and they didn’t even have a 1st round pick in 2016. Before that, Happ, Schwarber, Bryant… ALL graduated, not “prospects” but young, PROVEN, MLB champs. But thanks for playing.
Do you read what people post? He said the Cubs last three drafts have been poor and Theo only drafts well at the top. So going back to Happ, Bryant and Schwarber proves his argument. Also, Little pitched to a 5-11 record with a 5.11 ERA in A ball in 2018. You call that good? Yikes… Hoerner had a grand total of 49 at bats in 2018. Apparently you don’t need much of a sample size to say a player is doing well.
No pressure on Brian Duensing to save his spot on the team this Spring.
I swear 8 out of his 20 pitches he thrown last season went over the fence
Similar to the Cubs, the White Sox signed Xavier Cedeno to a minor league deal late last offseason with an invite to their MLB spring camp. He spent the first two months at AAA before being promoted in early June. They flipped him to the Brewers at the August 31st deadline for a couple of minor leaguers. He’d make for a decent LOOGY on the Cubs and also provide insurance at AAA Iowa provided he can clear waivers.
Can someone please explain to me why Brewers fans are so cocky? Your team hasn’t won a damn thing. The division is fine, but it shouldn’t be enough for you to take shots at the Cubs. This Cubs team won a World Series. I couldn’t care less about 108 years. Talk to us when your Brew Crew gets a ring.
Yah, because not winning a ring really stopped Cubs fans from talking trash before 2016…
Pot – “Can someone please explain to me why Kettle is so black?”
Surprising signing. Ownership dislikes lefties.
They couldn’t sign Lester fast enough a couple of years ago.
It’s apparent the front office likes lefties. The Cubs had no problem trading their two remaining elite prospects in Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease for southpaw Jose Quintana at the 2017 summer trade deadline. They also traded another former top prospect in Gleyber Torres for lefty closer Aroldis Chapman the summer before.
Obviously you’re not a golfer.
… Nor a Commie.
I’m predicting we’ll see at least another 15 signings(major or minor league deals) before Harper or Machado land somewhere.
The front office has always been honest that pitching depth is more important to them than spending (money or through the draft). Unless it’s a unique opportunity. These signings tell me that they’re saving money to sign in house, or keep flexibility to receive contracts in season. It’s not the dumbest thing unless their relievers blow a ton of games.
Nice sign to replace Justin wilsons spot in the bullpen
K.
This.
Was he not offered a minor league contract with a non-contending team? Better chances of making the team out of ST than signing as a non-roster invitee. Especially with a team with an overloaded bullpen
Who do they got for lefties though? Duensing and maybe Montgomery depending how he’s used?
Another guy I wanted the Red Sox to take a shot on… oh well. It seems like Cedeno has been a bit underrated for a while now.
Don’t cubs have one of the highest payrolls?? Some of you think infinity on spending . Harper machado keuchel kimbrel this year . Mad bum sale next year ? Maybe trout the next? Heck 5 billion dollar payroll why not ??
it’s not about us wanting all of those players or us having the highest payroll. It is about the cubs having this small window with guys who are still arb controllable and stellar free agents on the market that could help your team make the World Series again. Who knows if these young guys will stay with the club once they hit free agency. Might as well get a Harper or Machado and lock him up and pay a year of luxury taxes because it is not like the cubs cannot afford it
Can afford both but is it smart too? I’d rather the Cubs would have spent in pen over Harper or machado. Machado would have been better and let Russell walk and zobrist gone after year. Next year 80 million comes off books . Can’t be biggest spender every year .
I like Cedeno he gives them a solid arm to get lefties out seeing as though Duensing has not been able to do that. Montgomery is already taken up for the long reliever and spot starter role, deunsing shouldn’t even be on the roster and Kyle Ryan is more of an unknown than Cedeno. I hope Cedeno does well in the spring and makes the 40 man roster
I actually don’t mind this strategy for the bullpen. Throw 30 darts at the wall and hope a couple stick. Relief pitching outside 10-15 guys is pretty volatile year in and year out. This guy’s number seem pretty solid compared to many pitchers with guaranteed contracts. Cubs did a great job building a solid bullpen last year with a lot of injuries. They had several guys step up last year they plucked out of the sky.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these transparent, obsessed haters! More please! To get this much response over a non guaranteed contract. The Cubs own your simple lil minds, hahaha.
K.
Is it at least only a minor league deal? He’s not even good
Look out last place here we come