With Opening Day right around the corner, the Cubs aren't done adding to their spring training roster. This time it's a reunion with veteran reliever Yency Almonte. It will be a minor-league deal that presumably includes an invite to big league camp.
Along with Michael Busch, the reliever was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. He immediately became an afterthought in the trade as Busch became the focal point.
Almonte was just getting his feet under him before a season-ending shoulder injury became one of many disappointments to the team's bullpen. Now, he faces an uphill battle to make a bullpen in which he once had a guaranteed spot.
It will be interesting to see if Almonte can leave a positive impression among Cubs brass before the season starts. It never hurts to bring as many pitchers into the organization as possible.
Injuries happen, and one pitcher's misfortune is another's gain. Almonte will look to take advantage and finally show the Cubs exactly what he can bring to the table. If not, the team faces minimal risk, as they can simply part ways.
The bullpen is also a very volatile group for any team. Last year's hidden gem, Tyson Miller, is having a rough spring training, while Julian Merryweather appears to be on the rise.
If Almonte can have a successful camp, the Cubs should have no qualms about giving him as much opportunity as possible in the bullpen.
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