Cubs released LHP Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo signed a minor league deal with the Cubs last month, but didn't appear in a game. The 30-year-old left-hander posted a 9.00 ERA and 36/26 K/BB ratio across 27 innings with the Dodgers last season while dealing with a back injury and an anxiety disorder. He failed to make the Mariners out of spring training this year.

Cubs signed LHP Hong-Chih Kuo to a minor league contract. Kuo will have to climb his way up the ladder of Chicago's minor league system, but this is a worthwhile gamble for the Cubs. They invest nothing and could potentially unearth an asset for one of baseball's worst bullpens. It seems like an eternity ago, but Kuo was one of the most dominant relievers in the game in 2010, a season in which he was an All-Star. In his seven-year MLB career, the 30-year-old left-hander has had five elbow operations, two Tommy John surgeries, and missed significant time with an anxiety disorder. The Cubs figure to be patient with him.

Hong-Chih Kuo's agent, Alan Chang, told the China Post that his client plans to continue his career in the United States. Kuo was released by the Mariners earlier this week after allowing 14 runs on 15 hits (including five homers) over just 6 2/3 innings this spring. "I have talked to Kuo and he told me that he just wanted to regain his former dominance on the mound, and he will stay in America looking for chances," said Chang. The 30-year-old left-hander looks nothing like the pitcher who was one of the most dominant relievers in the game just two years ago, but we're sure some organization will give him a chance.

Mariners released LHP Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo agreed to a one-year, $500,000 contract in early February to serve as a middle reliever this season in Seattle. But he yielded 15 hits and 14 runs in 6 2/3 Cactus League innings this spring, and the Mariners decided to cut ties on Monday afternoon. The 30-year-old left-hander should get a crack with another organization.

The Mariners are keeping tabs on Hong-Chih Kuo's mechanics this spring. Kuo is working his way back from elbow surgery, but he also dealt with an anxiety disorder last season which impacted his ability to find the strike zone. The 30-year-old left-hander threw his first bullpen session on Sunday and Mariners' bullpen coach Jamie Navarro was pleased with what he saw. "We're just watching the arm slot and his mechanics and how he's dealing with that," said Navarro. "We're going to keep a close watch on him through the spring. He has to keep the same arm slot and the mechanics. That's huge." Kuo is just one year removed from being one of the most dominant relievers in the game, so he could be a tremendous bargain if he returns to form.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Hong-Chih Kuo's deal with the Mariners is worth $500,000 guaranteed. It will jump to $1 million if Kuo secures a spot in the Mariners' Opening Day bullpen and is able to maintain it all year. He can also earn another $2.25 million through performance-based incentives. The 30-year-old left-hander owns a 4.17 career ERA and 1.26 career WHIP.

Mariners signed LHP Hong-Chih Kuo to a one-year contract.

Hong-Chi Kuo's agent, Alan Chang, says Kuo is close to a decision, and Jayson Stark's sources say he's likely headed to the Mariners. The oft-injured left-hander was non-tendered by the Dodgers last month, but he's a nice lottery ticket purchase by the Mariners. He posted a 9.00 ERA and 36/26 K/BB ratio over 27 innings this past season but is just one year removed from being one of the most dominant relievers in the game. Kuo is no sure bet to bounce back, of course. He's had five elbow operations, two Tommy John surgeries, and missed significant time with an anxiety disorder over the course of his career.

The Mariners are one of three West Coast teams "looking closely" at free agent reliever Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo was non-tendered by the Dodgers earlier this offseason and may only require a minor league deal after being one of the most dominant relievers in the game in 2010. In his seven-year MLB career, he has had five elbow operations, two Tommy John surgeries, and missed significant time with an anxiety disorder.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that three West Coast teams are "kicking the tires" on free agent reliever Hong-Chih Kuo. The oft-injured left-hander was non-tendered by the Dodgers last month, but he wouldn't be a bad gamble for someone. Kuo posted a 9.00 ERA and 36/26 K/BB ratio over 27 innings this past season but is just one year removed from being one of the most dominant relievers in the game. He might only require a minor league deal.