Levine: Jason Motte Could Pay Big Dividends For Cubs

By Bruce Levine-

(CBS) The Cubs continue to look more and more like a team playing to win rather than going through another mediocre season. While the club was announcing ace left-hander Jon Lester to the biggest contract signing in franchise history at a downtown press conference, former Cardinals right-hander Jason Motte was taking a physical in Chicago and agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cubs.

After struggling with elbow problems for the past two season -- including sitting out all of 2013 -- Motte is an under-the-radar signing who could pay big dividends for the Cubs next season. Before blowing out his elbow in 2013, the 32-year-old Motte had established himself as a power pitcher in the Cardinals' bullpens in 2011 and 2012.

During the 2012 campaign, Motte had 42 saves in 49 opportunities and struck out 86 batters while walking only 17 in 72 innings. He had a WHIP of less than 1.00 in both 2011 and 2012.

Motte one-year deal is worth $4.5 million. With incentives, he could earn another $2.5 million.

Motte will support and push Cubs closer Hector Rondon for the job in 2015. Rondon was at his best in the second half of 2014, as he converted 18 of 19 save opportunities after the All-Star Game. Rondon was 29-of-33 in saves last season.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has been on a mission to bring in veterans for all facets of the team. He believes the more experienced players can take some of the pressure off of his young stars as they matriculate from the minor leages to to the big leagues.

The Cubs hope to add at least one outfielder who can play center field and another catcher moving toward spring training.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.