Cubs sign Pedro Strop to minor-league deal

Pedro Strop came to the Cubs in one of the best deals in franchise history — the one that also brought Jake Arrieta over from the Orioles in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger.

You know, if that deal had just brought Strop it would have been a big win. Pedro is one of the best relievers in franchise history.

He departed as a free agent before 2020, signed with the Reds, made four appearances with them and then they released him at the end of August. The Cubs signed him to a minor-league deal September 5, 2020 and he spent the rest of 2020 at the South Bend alternate site without a callup.

And now, he’s back, again:

It’s true that Strop didn’t have a good year in his final year in Chicago in 2019, though he was lights-out in September 2019 after returning from hamstring issues. He’s 35 now — 36 in June — and he’s a longshot to make the bullpen.

But you know, if he’s got anything left in the tank he’ll be a useful, popular member of the pitching staff. He was always well-respected by his teammates and fans love him.

I hope the Cubs keep him around as a coach or instructor when he’s done playing. He could be a good mentor for some of the team’s younger pitchers.

Welcome back, Pedro.