UPDATE 3: And, sure enough, it’s done. The Cubs have sent Ruggiano to the Mariners for minor league righty Matt Brazis. The deal opens up a 40-man spot (presumably for Jason Motte), and saves the Cubs upwards of $2.5 to $3 million in salary. Brazis, 25, was the Mariners’ 28th round pick in 2012, and he’s been a dominant minor league reliever ever since. Keep in mind, pure minor league relievers usually have very limited ceilings, but Brazis has compiled an impressive 2.89 ERA and 10.9 K/9 (2.8 BB/9) over his minor league career. He spent 2014 split between High-A and AA. He’s an interesting minor league piece, and about what you’d expect to get for Ruggiano.
And now we see if, for example, a Jonny Gomes signing is around the corner, or if the Cubs will continue to explore other outfield options.