The Chicago Cubs have officially made a high-upside, low-cost investment in pitching depth, agreeing to terms with undrafted right-hander Sam Mettert. The signing is a pure scouting play, focusing entirely on the 22-year-old’s massive raw velocity, which has reportedly touched 99.5 mph.
Mettert (the main character in this minor league signing) arrives in the Cubs’ system on a minor league contract, providing the organization with a powerful arm they hope to refine into a future bullpen weapon.
The Trade-Off: Velocity Over College Performance
The move exemplifies the current trend in MLB scouting: prioritizing raw athletic traits that can be developed within an organization’s system.
- The Velocity: Mettert, an imposing figure at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, recently had his fastball clocked at 98.5 mph (and up to 99.5 mph) at Tread Athletics, a renowned player development company. The Cubs have made a practice of scouting and signing pitchers from this program, with Mettert being their sixth acquisition from Tread.
- The Potential: His high-octane fastball and large frame represent the kind of “throwing force” the Cubs believe their pitching development staff can successfully harness.
- The College Stats: As noted, Mettert’s college numbers at St. John’s University were less impressive, posting a career 7.17 ERA over 4732 relief innings. While he struck out 51 batters, he also issued 33 walks, indicating significant command issues that the Cubs will need to address.
A New Chapter
Mettert himself was thrilled with the opportunity, which reportedly shifted his immediate plans, as he was considering graduate school before the Cubs offered him a professional contract.
“This is the biggest opportunity of my life, and I will not let the Cubs and the fans down,” Mettert reportedly stated after signing.
This minor league signing is a low-risk proposition for the Cubs. It costs them virtually nothing in terms of salary or a 40-man roster spot, but offers the potential for a high-velocity, high-impact relief arm down the line if his control issues can be corrected.
This move shores up the organization’s depth. Would you like the latest buzz on the Cubs’ pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher, such as Tatsuya Imai, for their Major League roster?
