(SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Cubs obtained their possible closer for the upcoming season on Tuesday, with the club agreeing to a one-year contract with Jose Veras according to a report from ESPN Deportes.
Sources told ESPN Deportes that Veras will earn $4 million next season, with the deal also including a $5.5 million option for 2015 along with incentives.
Veras recorded a career-high 21 saves in 2013, 19 of which came with the Houston Astros. The veteran righty was traded to the Detroit Tigers in late July and compiled a 3.02 earned run average over 67 appearances between the two teams.
Over eight major league campaigns, Veras owns a 19-22 record with a 3.84 ERA in 394 games while striking out 388 batters in 377 innings.
Veras is expected to compete with holdover Pedro Strop for the closer's job in Chicago. Kevin Gregg, who saved 33 games in that role for the Cubs last season, is a free agent that the team has shown no inclination of re-signing.
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