Cubs retain reliever Strop
As expected, the Cubs on Thursday exercised their $6.25 million option on right-handed reliever Pedro Strop.
In 2018, Strop went 6-1 with a 2.26 ERA in 59⅔ innings.
Also not a surprise, right fielder Jason Heyward chose not to opt out of the remaining five years on the eightyear, $184 million contract he signed before the 2016 season. The deadline to opt out was Wednesday.
Heyward will be paid $106 million over the next five years.
With the way Heyward’s contract is set up, the Cubs will owe Heyward, who hit .270 with eight home runs and 58 RBI in 127 games in 2018, $20 mil- lion in 2019. After that, Heyward will be paid $21 million in 2020 and 2021 and $22 million in 2022 and 2023.
If Heyward reaches 550 plate appearances next season, he’ll again have the opportunity to void his deal and become a free agent.
The Cubs claimed Johnny Field off waivers from the Twins.
Field, who will turn 27 in February, split 2018 between the Rays and the Twins. He made his major-league debut with the Rays on April 14 against the Phillies.
Last season, Field struck out 72 times and drew only seven walks in 233 plate appearances. He finished the season hitting .222 with nine home runs and 21 RBI.
The Cubs are expected to make a decision on pitcher Cole Hamels’ $20 million club option later this week.