Reports: Cubs sign reliever Jorge Lopez to a minor league deal

(670 The Score) The Cubs have taken a flier with the hope of improving their woeful bullpen.

Righty reliever Jorge Lopez has agreed to join the Cubs on a minor league deal, according to multiple reports Wednesday. The Mets designated Lopez for assignment after an incident in late May in which he tossed his glove into the stands upon being ejected from a game and then showed no remorse for his actions afterward. Lopez also made a comment that led to confusion about whether he called the Mets the “worst team in MLB” or whether he called himself the “worst teammate in MLB.”

Later, it was revealed that Lopez’s son is dealing with a serious medical situation.

Lopez, 31, had a 3.76 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 28 appearances for the Mets this season before they let him go. He has a career 5.42 ERA in nine MLB seasons.

The Cubs bullpen has a 4.47 ERA in 2024, which ranks 24th in MLB. They suffered a 5-2 loss to the Rays on Tuesday when closer Hector Neris allowed four runs in the ninth inning.