While Almonte is expected to start the season in the minors, he could be a bullpen option for the Cubs over the summer, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Almonte figures to start the year with Triple-A Iowa. The righty had a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB across 15.2 innings with Chicago last season before entering free agency in November, but he wound up returning on a minor-league deal. Should he make it back to the majors, Almonte will likely serve in a middle relief role and have limited fantasy appeal.