With Spring Training about a month away, the Cubs have begun to stockpile their roster depth with veterans.

The team announced on Wednesday they had come to terms on minor-league deals with right-handed pitcher Ben Heller and catcher Carlos Pérez. Both deals include an invitation to major-league camp.

Heller, 33, has appeared in 58 games across six seasons with the Yankees, Braves and Pirates. Last season, Heller pitched in 8 games with the Pirates, posting an 11.25 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings. In 2024, in the majors, Heller primarily relied on his sinker (23.5% usage), changeup (21.6%), cutter (20.4%), slider (16.9%) and four-seamer (13.3%).

The righty has had success in the past in the majors, in 4 years with the Yankees (31 games) he had a 2.59 ERA. In 2023, Heller had a 3.86 ERA in 18.2 innings with Atlanta.

He provides bullpen depth to a team that has made no secret they’re in search of it.

Last season, the bullpen was the bugaboo for the Cubs in the first half of the season. Through 81 games in 2024, their reliever corps had a 4.52 ERA — the 6th-worst mark in the majors — and had 17 blown saves, tied for the second-most. They struggled to find options and piece together the final outs in games.

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Over the final 81 games of 2024, the Cubs had the sixth-fewest blown saves (9) and the third-best ERA (3.08).

This offseason, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer admitted the team needed to address the issue quicker. Having that drastic of a swing in their bullpen can be the difference between a playoff appearance and sitting at home in October for the 5th-straight season.

Heller might not be the flashiest signing, but sometimes those are the types of additions that can make a difference. In 2023, Mark Leiter Jr. was designated for assignment and then brought back on a minor-league contract, and he proved to be one of the best relievers for the team over the next two seasons.

Last season, Tyson Miller was designated for assignment by the Mariners, acquired by the Cubs in a trade in May and turned into one of their best relievers.

Pérez brings depth to one of the most taxing positions on the field.

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The 34-year-old has played in 278 major-league games in 5 seasons with the Angles, Braves, Rangers and A’s. Last season, he appeared in 66 games with Oakland, slashing .226/.293/.357 with 6 home runs and 20 RBI.

Teams typically add veteran catchers on minor-league deals with big-league camp invites. They provide depth and cover if one of the major league catchers suffers an injury. Teams like to have experienced backstops in camp, too, because of the number of arms that are with the team.

Pérez is a longshot to make the Opening Day roster, but if Miguel Amaya or Carson Kelly suffer an injury, having someone like him is a viable option as opposed to a young catcher with no major-league experience. Pérez would likely be in Triple-A as depth if the Cubs need it when the season starts, too.