It’s that time again to talk about your favorite type of offseason acquisition as the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed relief pitcher Ben Heller to a minor league contract. Oh yeah, reclamation project baby!
I still don’t understand why these deals get some fans so riled up because as we always have to point out, there is literally no risk…it’s all a high reward if a guy suddenly figures it out with your team. And hey, the Cubs actually have some success stories in recent years with these exact type of signings. Fun!
Not so fun? Heller was really bad in 2024, as the righty was lit up for 11 earned runs in two innings of work in his first two appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was demoted to Triple-A shortly after, but rebounded nicely with a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings out of the bullpen in August.
So yeah, I don’t expect anyone to get excited over Heller’s 11.25 ERA in 2024.
Source: RHP Ben Heller is signing a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs
Heller, 33, went 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA across 12 innings with the Pirates in 2024
— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) December 30, 2024
HOWEVER! It’s not like Heller has been a complete bust his entire career. There’s a reason the 33-year-old is still around and believe it or not prior to his 2024 stint with the Pirates, Heller recorded a 3.06 ERA in 50 innings pitching for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. That being said, those 50 innings were spread across five seasons from 2016-23.
Heller has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery and a bum shoulder cut his 2024 campaign short at the end of August.
So, why are the Cubs kicking the tires on Heller? Well, during his time at Triple-A this past season the right-hander struck out 55 batters in 33 innings. That’s a ridiculous 40.7 K% or 15 strikeouts per nine innings, while holding opponents to a .168 batting average.
Here’s Ben Heller’s supination-dominant splitter grip that is absolutely filthy:
Averages on the year:
✅ 86 mph
✅ -2.5″ vertical break (!)
✅ 11.2″ horizontal break
✅ 45% whiff%
This compares to Logan Webb & Devin Williams’ CH depth. pic.twitter.com/epgV8UU7tt— Tread Athletics (@TreadHQ) December 13, 2024
He’s put up crazy strikeout numbers with multiple organizations, but Heller has not been able to fully translate that success in the majors. Arm injuries have also interrupted his progress. Heller’s MLB strikeout numbers have been much more pedestrian, averaging 8.85 K/9 and a 21.3 K%.
Heller’s longest run in the majors came with the Braves in 2023. He made 19 relief appearances and recorded a 3.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 11 walks in 18.2 innings.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 17, 2023
So, add Ben Heller’s name to the list of relief pitchers who will show up to spring training, looking to impress the Cubs and potentially earn a precious spot on the Opening Day roster. If Heller gives the Cubs any positive results in 2025, then that’s a win.
