Cubs announce 2-year deal with Rohnert Park native Brandon Morrow

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Chicago Cubs agreed to a two-year contract with Brandon Morrow on Tuesday night after the reliever played a key role in their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.

The 33-year-old Morrow, a 2003 graduate of Rancho Cotati High School in Rohnert Park, went 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA and two saves in 45 appearances for Los Angeles last season. The hard-throwing right-hander did not allow a home run in his 43 2/3 innings.

Morrow could step into the closer job for Chicago. Wade Davis had a career-high 32 saves for the Cubs and made the NL All-Star team this year, but he is a free agent.

Morrow pitched in 14 playoff games in the Dodgers' run to the World Series this year, but he was particularly good against the Cubs. He struck out seven while pitching 4 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in the NLCS, helping Los Angeles advance in five games.

Morrow's contract includes a 2020 club option that could become guaranteed depending on his performance.

The Cubs also agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with Drew Smyly. The lefty is recovering from Tommy John surgery in June and might not be able to return next season.

The 28-year-old Smyly is 31-27 with a 3.74 ERA in 156 major league games, including 85 starts. He was selected by Detroit in the second round of the 2010 draft and debuted with the Tigers in 2012.

Smyly played for Chicago manager Joe Maddon and new Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey while he was in Tampa Bay.

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