The Cubs reinstated right-hander Adrian Sampson from the 60-day injured list yesterday, tweets Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. Rather than add the veteran righty back to the 40-man roster, the Cubs instead passed him through waivers, where he went unclaimed, and assigned him outright to Triple-A Iowa.
Sampson, 31, pitched to a strong 3.03 ERA in 139 2/3 innings with the Cubs from 2021-22 upon his return from the Korea Baseball Organization, although fielding-independent metrics like FIP (4.28) and SIERA (4.44) were far less optimistic, in large part because of a pedestrian 17.6% strikeout rate. Sampson’s 6.1% walk rate was excellent, however, and he kept the ball on the ground at an only slightly below-average 41% clip.
That solid showing notwithstanding, it’s been a tough year for Sampson. The righty sustained a meniscus injury back April that would eventually require surgery. He’s pitched a total of 25 1/3 minor league frames this year and been tagged for an 8.17 ERA in that time. Sampson posted an ERA north of 8.00 in two appearances before the injury and in six appearances since returning.
As a player who’s been outrighted in the past, Sampson does have the right to reject an outright assignment in favor of free agency, though he lacks the service time required to do so while retaining the remainder of his $1.9MM salary. That salary, paired with his recent struggles, surely tamped down interest in a potential waiver claim.
Given that financial commitment, he’ll surely accept an outright and remain on hand as a depth option for a Cubs team that could move at least one starter between now and next week’s trade deadline.
More importantly what are my Cubies looking for in a Bellinger deal? I would think a Everson Pereira or a Trey Sweeney. A hard thrower like a Will Warren. And a starter like Randy Vasquez. And a Oswaldo Cabrera also? Let me know my Cubie Faithful.
I think the Cubs will have to be blown away to deal Bellinger honestly. Hawkins mentioned publicly they would like to retain him and he can be issues a QO at the end of the year.
Seems like the Yankees would be a bad match for the Cubs due to their two, imo, best prospects are outfielders (having zero interest in trading for a catcher). Cubs will be hunting for an impact arm or bat that plays the corners (I think)
As much as I would like to see Bellinger stick with the Cubs long term. I’ll give his chances 50/50 at this point. I don’t think he will be traded. As mentioned the Cubs would need to blown away. The key issue here is that Bellinger is a Boras client. Since he appears to be finding his grove this year. And if his success continues. The chances of hammering out a deal during the remainder season or accepting a qualifying offer end of season is remote. Boras will want him to test free agency. That how Boras operates. That doesn’t mean Bellinger won’t return to the Cubs. He has adjused well to the Cubs and from what I hear and read Bellinger likes team. It’s possible that comfort level along with dealing with Boras/Bellinger this past off season gives the Cubs a leg up. If you can ever get a leg up on Boras.
I’m sure Boras would recommend Bellinger test out free agency but ultimately it’s up to the player as to when and where he signs if an offer is on the table.
If Bellinger doesn’t get traded to the Yankees, then hopefully he stays in the Windy City, which I love. Sweeney is a shortstop by trade, that could eventually could play 3rd or 1st. Pereira can play all 3 outfield positions, and he has power and speed.(He can replace Bellinger in the outfield) These are really good prospects that the Cubs would be really happy to have, and the pitchers Will Warren(future closer or set up man) and Vasquez(starter) are good also.
I actually think this is a package both sides would decline. From the Yankees perspective, it’s too much, from the Cubs, the talent isn’t high end enough.
Yeah the Cubs aren’t taking on that many guys. The Cubs Farm is loaded despite what the so called experts think. It’s either a MLB ready arm or 3B although it sounds like the Cubs are touting Matt Shaw for 3B on the quick trip to MLB ala Nico Hoerner. I’m way more interested in what the Cubs are planning to do with Morel. His best position to me seems to be 2B but that’s taken. I assumed they’d try him at 3rd. He’s played there all the way up the Farm System. So what is he now? A platoon with PCA in CF if Bellinger walks? Is he a DH? Is he trade bait this off season? I don’t want to see the Cubs be like the Cardinals with a bunch of bats playing out of position. So yeah Capn, You can scrap all the 4 for 1 low A players for anybody the Cubs have they don’t really need them. The Orioles are the team to watch as they have a bunch of almost ready MLB talent.
They had to be looking for a 3B prospect, even though I really think they are going to try their first round pick at 3B at South Bend next year.
Coby Mayo and Curtis Mead are both flawed injury-wise and may not be able to stick at 3B. Sweeney probably can. The kid Junior Caminero from Tampa would be difficult to acquire, it would probably take both Stroman and Gomes and a lower prospect like Herz.
But the way that Bellinger is playing, combined with Suzuki not really playing to his contract and Mervis really struggling in his call up, I think that they might keep him and slap the QO on him to depress his market, and then try to re-sign him.
The Yankees don’t have any interest in Stroman, but they definitely want to acquire another bat also. Randall Grichuk wouldn’t be a surprise for the Yankees who really need more offense. Bellinger’s lefty bat is more important in their line up though then Grichuk.
I’d like to see Stroman traded to the Diamondback in a trade that nets us Blaze Alexander as a piece coming back.
Cubbies aren’t going to let Bellinger go if we go 5-1 or 4-2 in next six games the fans would roast Hoyer as far as Stroman I don’t think people would be to upset
If they go 5-1 and are above .500 going into the Cincy series and trade Stroman and have to start a guy from the minors instead of Stroman, people will be upset. This becomes a 10 game stretch where they need to go 8-2—with the unfortunate deadline right at the REALLY IMPORTANT series.
If they go 3-3 or worse against the Sox and Cards they both should be gone for the best available package(s).
I think the qualifying offer is the difference, Stroman cannot be issued. Qualifying offer but Bellinger can. The Cubs also have stated they want bellie back which means hanging onto him would allow them to have exclusive negotiating rights for a bit after the season and if they do lose him at least they get something in return.
Stroman I think you have to get while the getting is good. I’m wondering if the Dodgers would go Michael Bush and Noah Syndargarrd for Stroman and perhaps a lower level prospect or Barnhart if the Cubs cover all salaries. That would actually help the Dodgers shed some payroll while adding a very solid starting pitcher and the Cubs get a great prospect and perhaps try to “fix” Syndargarrd.
I actually really like Stroman but I don’t think you can risk losing him for nothing.
I agree. I think at this point unless somebody blows them away with an offer for Bellinger or Stroman they stay for the rest of the season. I’d trade Hendricks for whatever I could get before his shoulder falls apart. Gomes stays and they can dump whatever other cannon fodder they can lose. Mastro-Wisdom-Madrigal-and so on. Bring up whatever kids they can. They’re only 7 games out. Granted they aren’t going anywhere even if they win the division, But it would be some nice pressure experience for guys like Morel and Alzolay to experience. Amaya too. I sure hope Sampson declines the assignment. Another guy who’s in the way. I know you wouldn’t get anything back for Stroman at the end of the year, But they really don’t need anything for him at this point do they? The farm was just restocked with the draft and are already getting rid of some minor league dead weight in the last week. Wick is finally gone anyway. This should be a fun week.
I really do not understand what you have against Kyle Hendricks. More often than not this season he’s been lights out, giving you quality start after quality start and going deep into games. When you have a pieced together bullpen like we do, going deep into games is huge!
I’d probably keep Mastrobuoni due to his speed as long as Ross uses him sparingly. I think I’m extra innings or in the playoffs, the ability to swipe yourself into scoring position is huge.
I’m still a believer in Madrigal but he doesn’t have a place to play. If the Cubs hope to make a push they need a thumper and it really needs to come from third base or dh.
Wisdom is a decent enough bench piece but really no issues in trading him.
If it were me, I’d trade Stroman while looking to trade for someone with more control at the same time to replace him. It doesn’t seem like the Cubs are interested in re-signing him in the off-season.
Like I’ve said before the only thing I have against Hendricks is he’s in the way. The same way Happ was in the way and now he’s in the way for 3 more years. There are other guys I want starting for the Cubs right now. They’re learning nothing pitching in Iowa. Stroman has made himself a sympathetic figure now and dealing him might cause unforeseen problems. I’d trade Smyly too because he’s in the way and stinks right now, But you won’t get anything for him, Except saving Ricketts some tip money.
I was going to say, “Smyly is the one in the way”. I thought at the beginning of the season he was going to make me eat my words but he’s pitched like garbage lately.
I really don’t see anyone pushing Kyle out of the rotation. Wesneski’s control is awful. I was hoping and continue to hope I’m wrong but he looks like a reliever to me. He’s good out of the pen because he’s a different look and his pitches have good movement so it’s hard for hitters to adjust to mid game but we’ve seen time and time again it’s not translating to the rotation.
Brown and Wicks both need more AAA seasoning. I’d like to see them in the pen first, then transition to the rotation later. As of now, neither are better than Hendricks.
In my opinion, one thing I think you’re over looking about Hendricks is his value in helping develop Amaya
“Stroman has made himself a sympathetic figure now and dealing him might cause unforeseen problems.”
Exactly what are these ” unforeseen problems”
Could you please list of guys Hendricks is blocking?. Because Wesneski and Killian have been so impressive this year. Or are you talking about Brown? You’re right, he hasn’t learned to get the ball over the plate in AAA. 34 BBs in 55 IP at Iowa. I’m certain the solution would be to have him face MLB hitting, cause they certainly would help reduce that walk rate.
Yeah, those guys. Exactly what are they learning at Iowa? How to twiddle their thumbs? Are Stroman , Smyly and Hendricks part of the next competitive Cubs team? Might as well let them learn on the fly. And if you think this team is competitive, You’re mistaken. And if Hoyer trades Stroman and doesn’t get a real good value back, He’s going to hear it from the fans AND the players. I’d call those unforeseen problems compared to 2 weeks ago.
“if Hoyer trades Stroman and doesn’t get a real good value back, He’s going to hear it from the fans AND the players. I’d call those unforeseen problems compared to 2 weeks ago.”
Aaahhh, those would actually be predictable or foreseeable outcomes. Fans got over their whining about trading Bryant, Rizzo, Baez and Darvish. As well as Hoyer allowing Contreras to go to FA, I’m sure they’ll get over Stroman.
As far as the pitching prospects, can you fill me in on their development plan? I know the Cubs have one for every player. Is Brown working on locating his pitches? Is he working in his grip for 1 or more pitches? Is he working on his delivery, repeating his delivery? It’s pretty obvious to just about everyone that they need more seasoning in Iowa, otherwise they look like Killian.
You don’t have 1% if the information and data that the Cubs have. That’ll be like taking financial advice from you. I’ll trust the Carter Hawkins and the Cubs development staff on this one.
Right now I’d call their development plan ” Not good” to Backward. On a lot of guys.
I just gotta ask you a question Wood, Well 2 really. If the Cubs go 6-0 against the anemic W. Sox and Cardinals for you it’s 2016 again? And with the Only 2 pitchers guaranteed to be here next year being Steele and Tallion, You’re going to let them come out of the gate next year with 3 of these guys with literally no MLB experience? Or is it your plan to go out and spend tons of money on FA pitching again? What do you have against young players? Are you the crotchety old dude who has the kids arrested when their ball comes in your yard? Last time I checked, The Reds, Brewers and Red Sox were doing pretty well with their young guys, Oh and the Cubs did pretty well last year doing it and then inexplicably went out and spent tons of money and gave extensions they didn’t have to. So what’s YOUR plan? You like bashing mine, but you never offer up one of your own do ya?
I don’t agree with mikes opinion on Hendricks but to play devils advocate, Spencer strider is only a two pitch pitcher and he’s been doing alright, or so I’m told.
I think I’ve heard of that guy also. Somewhere. Wasn’t he the Ranger in Lord of the Rings? Could be wrong.
“Spencer strider is only a two pitch pitcher and he’s been doing alright, or so I’m told.”
Could you explain in this comment, cause I didn’t even mention anything about this. You lost me.
I counted 7 questions
A couple of boxes of Bazooka Joe bubble gum. When you have biblical losses you have to find payroll relief. Heard on the Score old Tom has been trying to get his payroll tax relief refund still.
You’re an idiot
Sampson has one team on his no trade clause. The Yankees.
It’s the hair, you know.
5.09 FIP…not surprised
Delilah won’t be pleased.
He pitched good for Cubs last year, if someone gets traded he’ll fill in
Wesneski is in AAA getting stretched out, Sampson won’t be the next man up. Actually being outrighted off the 40 man means it would be highly unlikely he gets picked up regardless
It’s actually a fairly sly move by management to have Sampson signed to that contract and attached to that $1.9m. He’s essentially expanded the cubs to a 41-man roster in his position. He’s a fringe 40-man roster guy for sure. If he was healthy and performed for the cubs he’d probably be in the majors, but that’s peanuts to pay him and play so poorly that no other team will take on him and his contract. If someone snagged him from the cubs then they are off the hook of paying him another dollar. But it’s why he’s stuck in the cubs organization and if he gets right (no he probably won’t), then the cubs can add him back to the 40-man and bring him back to Chicago. I believe they have at least one other player kind of in this same type contract situation. I can’t remember who.
Bote
Was about to say the same thing.
Cheap emergency, AAAA depth
Sampsonite. I was WAY off!
I want to talk to him.