Cubs agree with reliever Brandon Morrow

In their latest quest to upgrade their pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs reached a two-year agreement with free agent reliever Brandon Morrow.

Morrow, 33, has posted a 1.96 ERA in 63 appearances over the past two seasons with the Padres and Dodgers. Morrow helped the Dodgers advance to the 2017 World Series by posting a 6-0 record and 2.06 ERA in 46 appearances, striking out 50 in 43 2/3 innings. The Cubs have looked at Morrow for more than a year as a potential future closer as he worked his way back from shoulder surgery with the Padres. He had a breakout season for the Dodgers as a setup man after signing a minor-league deal in January.

The 2006 fifth overall draft pick by the Mariners had a 2.06 ERA in 45 games with 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings (1.9 walks per nine).

It’s a $21 million deal, pending a physical, that pays $9 million in 2018 and ’19 with a $3 million buyout on a vesting $12 million option, according to which includes an option for 2020, is worth $10 million to $11 million a year, according to MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal. The Cubs are looking for at least one more starting pitcher, and after focusing early on free agent Alex Cobb, they could be close to reuniting him with his old Rays manager (Joe Maddon) and pitching coach (newly hired Jim Hickey).

The Cubs continue to stay in the more affordable waters of the acquisitions this time around to put their big money on No. 34 at next year’s roulette table: Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, the big free agent-to-be who suddenly looks more attainable after the Yankees’ trade for Giancarlo Stanton.

Morrow's standout postseason included four scoreless appearances against the Cubs in the NL Championship Series. The right-hander struck out seven and allowed just one hit in 4 2/3 innings.