Julio Teheran Agrees to Minor-League Deal with Orioles After Opt-Out with Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have a ton of starting pitching depth. Every fan knows about the Cubs' current depth, and apparently some of the organization's arms also know that as well. According to Jon Heyman, RHP Julio Teheran opted out of his minor-league deal with the Cubs over the weekend and is now signing with the Baltimore Orioles on a minor-league deal.

Teheran signed with the Cubs back in April to provide starting pitching depth. As the team continues to get healthier in the starting rotation, the need for depth is no longer necessary. With the likes of Hayden Wesneski, Ben Brown, and soon-returning Jordan Wicks available, Teheran's road to the majors was largely blocked.

In eight starts with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, Teheran accumulated 32.2 innings of work and an 8.82 ERA . The veteran righty fanned 37 batters while allowing 11 free passes as well. Now, Teheran moves on to the Baltimore organization to serve as depth for a team in greater need of it.

Teheran is returning to Baltimore for the second time this season. Teheran originally signed with the Orioles during Spring Training, but opted out when he didn't make the Opening Day roster. Now, with John Means and Tyler Wells done for the season and additional injuries to their rotation piling up, Teheran now has a real chance for some big-league time in 2024.

As for the Cubs, this move doesn't change much in regards to depth. Aside from the aforementioned names, Dan Straily, a former Cubs arm and current minor-league contract, could be a name they turn to in a pinch as well.

For Teheran, this move makes plenty of sense. The Cubs are so deep in the rotation, and Baltimore could use his help. If he wants the big-league time this season, then he made the right decision by moving organizations.

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