Kendall Graveman has had quite the year.
The 28-year-old served as the A's Opening Day starter, underwent Tommy John surgery in July and was non-tendered by Oakland after the season.
Now, Graveman is reportedly headed to the Cubs. According to ESPN and Fancred, the free agent starting pitcher is close to signing a deal with Chicago.
The Cubs are close to signing pitcher Kendall Graveman. 78 career starts, 4.38 ERA. Been with Oakland the last 4 years— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) December 22, 2018
Graveman's agreement with the cubs is for an MLB deal— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 22, 2018
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According to The Chicago Tribune and Fancred, Graveman will get $575,000 in 2019 with an escalator that could take his salary to $2 million. The contract includes a $3 million club option for 2020.
Cubs signee Kendall Graveman gets $575,000 w/ $3 million option for 2020. No buyout. Recovering from Tommy John surgery, could return by Sept. @ESPNChiCubs first.— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) December 22, 2018
Kendall Graveman: 2019 - $575,000
2019 Escalator: 1 active day - 2019 salary increases to the rate of $2M. 2020 - $3M (club option)
Can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. If 2020 option not exercised player will become XXB free agent. #Cubs— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 22, 2018
Graveman is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2019 season as he recovers from elbow surgery.
The A's acquired Graveman from Toronto after the 2014 season as part of the package for third baseman Josh Donaldson, and he was a solid contributor in the rotation from 2015 through 2017. During that three-year span, he made 71 starts and posted a 4.11 ERA.
But in seven starts in 2018, Graveman compiled an ugly 7.60 ERA. The A's sent him to Triple-A Nashville where he made four starts in May, but the results weren't much better.
