Chicago Cubs Pitcher Elects Free Agency

He was sent outright to Triple-A Iowa last week.

However, Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. has declined the outright assignment and has elected free agency.

RELEASED: #Cubs RHP Mark Leiter Jr. has cleared waivers and elected free agency.

— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) January 23, 2023

Leiter functioned as a utility pitcher for the Cubs last season and posted a decent 3.99 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts across 67.2 innings of work last year. He made 31 relief appearances, started four games, converted three saves and held a 2-7 record.

For his major league career, the thirty-one-year-old holds a 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 179 strikeouts over 181.2 innings. He's made 67 relief appearances, started 15 games, converted three saves and holds a 5-14 record.

The thirty-one-year-old should have some teams across the league interested in him, as he would add some decent pitching depth. Still, there's always the possibility he opts to return to the Cubs on a new minor-league deal before spring training.
Photo Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports