Cubs Sign Zambrano

The Chicago Cubs signed Carlos Zambrano to a one-year, $6.5 million contract.

Zambrano, 25, enters this season with a 3.26 career ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He has steadily improved his baserunners per inning, from 1.45 in his rookie season to 1.15 last year. While he's already one of the best 15 pitchers in baseball, Zambrano could enter the truly elite if he's able to further trim his walk rate.

Baseball Prospectus projects Zambrano to be worth $15,275,000 in 2006 and at least a $10,000,000 pitcher annually through the end of the decade.

Date
February 11, 2006