Cubs add lefty reliever Cedeno to 'pen mix

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said on Tuesday that he wanted to try to squeeze one more reliever into the mix for Spring Training. It did not take him long to check off that box.
On Thursday, the Cubs announced a deal with left-hander Xavier Cedeño on a non-guaranteed contract that will include a $900,000 base salary with incentives available, as first reported by The Athletic's Patrick Mooney.
"We'd love to be in a position where we can withstand a couple injuries in Spring Training," Epstein said on Tuesday, "and still put a really quality bullpen out there. That's one area where the market's been pretty soft and pretty slow developing, and we've been active."
Cedeno, 32, appeared in 48 games between stints with the White Sox and Brewers last season, posting a 2.43 ERA. Prior to joining the White Sox, he pitched for the Astros, Nationals and Rays from 2011-17. He has a career ERA of 3.69 over 175 2/3 innings.

With closer Brandon Morrow expected to miss the first month of the season while working his way back from right elbow surgery in November, the Cubs will have a long list of arms in the hunt for a spot in the Opening Day relief corps. The Cubs signed right-handers Brad Brach and Tony Barnette this offseason and have a slew of options both on the roster or in camp as non-roster invitees to fill out what will likely be an eight-man 'pen.