Cubs Sign Mark Leiter, Jr. to a MiLB Deal

The Cubs announced that they signed 30-yearold RHP Mark Leiter to a minor league deal today. And before you get to wondering, yes, that Leiter family. He’s the nephew of Al and cousin of Jack.

The 6-foot and 210 pound righty had a good 2021 season at Triple-A Toledo where he had a 3.35 ERA in 15 starts last summer. He also struck out 100 in 89 innings. And he finihsed the year on a roll.

Mark Leiter Jr. closes out September with a stingy 1.03 ERA in 35 IP across five outings. pic.twitter.com/CDybOfjSI3

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) October 1, 2021

His signing provides some depth for the Cubs for 2022 and he will likely be assigned to Triple-A Iowa and probably will get a non-Roster invite to spring training.

He does have some pitchability to him as he does not have overpowering stuff but he makes it work for him.

Just skimmed video in this one. Leiter's FB was 91-93 on the broadcast gun. 92 in the 7th. Looks like a decent change too. Can't say there was anything super impressive about what I saw, but the I-Cubs couldn't do anything with him. https://t.co/iBDuHr1Ci0

— Brad (@ballskwok) December 16, 2021

Leiter has previously pitched in the Phillies, Tigers, and D’Backs’ systems.

Another ‘Phillies Player you Probably Forgot About’? How about Mark Leiter Jr.

Who could ever forget when he fanned NINE Rockies out of the BULLPEN?

Leiter Jr. is a pretty awesome story — a 22nd round pick with really solid stuff, but his low velocity was a persistent problem. pic.twitter.com/LAbxrMP9cW

— Alex Carr (@AlexCarrMLB) April 23, 2020