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    Notes about the team are posted here.

    62 rumors in this category

      Brock Beauchamp

      It's hard to predict how this offseason will unfold, as there is an increasing chance of (yet another) MLB lockout following the 2026 season. Will teams spend big this offseason, hoping to create surety in the face of an unknown collective bargaining agreement? Or will they be hesitant in hopes of a favorable outcome for ownership groups?

      No matter how it shakes out, teams will need to compete in the 2026 season, and they'll need to sign free agents this winter. DiamondCentric has compiled a complete list of free agents, sortable and searchable by pretty much any metric you need. Looking for a first baseman? A catcher? We have you covered. We offer two pages for your reference: one for position players, the other for pitchers.

      Free Agent Hitters In the 2025-2026 MLB Offseason

      hitters.jpg

      dc-initials.png Complete List Of 2025-2026 MLB Free Agent Hitters

      DiamondCentric.net
      Here is a complete list of free agent hitters in the 2025-2026 MLB offseason.

      Free Agent Pitchers In the 2025-2026 MLB Offseason

      pitchers.jpg

      dc-initials.png Complete List Of 2025-2026 MLB Free Agent Pitchers

      DiamondCentric.net
      Here is a complete list of free agent pitchers in the 2025-2026 MLB offseason.
      Steve Drumwright

       

       

      With only a few 40-man roster options available, the Chicago Cubs opted for outfield defense to replace a slumping hitter.

      The Cubs on Friday called up outfielder Justin Dean from Triple-A Iowa following the demotion of designated hitter Moises Ballesteros.

      Dean will be making his Cubs debut after being claimed off waivers this offseason from the San Francisco Giants. Dean was somewhat of a cult figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers' run to the World Series last year, appearing in 13 games but not once coming up to bat. He was a late-inning defensive substitution and pinch-runner. Dean made his MLB debut last year and is hitless in two at-bats over 18 games.

      At Triple-A this year, Dean was slashing .238/.369/.354 with three homers and 25 RBIs, stealing 14 bases in 15 tries.

      Ballesteros being sent down would seem to open more at-bats for Matt Shaw, who was in the lineup in right field for Friday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Seiya Suzuki as the designated hitter.

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The need for a fresh arm apparently was more important than continuing to stretch out Javier Assad.

      The Cubs on Saturday called up the right-hander from Triple-A Iowa after just three outings totaling nine innings. Right-hander Ethan Roberts was sent down to Triple-A after being one of four relievers used in Friday's 18-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

      Assad had been sent down to Triple-A May 17 under the premise of stretching him out to be a starter. He did start all three games there, with the first two outings lasting 3⅔ and the second 4⅓. His third start, however, happened Wednesday and he went just one inning without allowing a run or a hit.

      Assad has made three starts among his eight appearances this year with a 4.84 FIP (5.88 ERA) over 26 innings. He has an excellent 6.5% walk rate but just a 13% strikeout rate this year.

      Roberts has a 3.77 FIP (1.98 ERA) in 14 appearances and 18⅓ innings, with a 9.7% walk rate and 19.4% strikeout rate. He allowed one run in 1⅔ innings vs. the Giants, a game that saw catcher Carson Kelly make yet another mound appearance.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Perhaps now we know why Hunter Harvey was struggling in the early stages of the season.

      The Chicago Cubs' right-handed reliever was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to right triceps inflammation. Left-handed reliever Charlie Barnes was promoted from Triple-A Iowa and added to the 40-man roster, which had an open spot.

      Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 9:10 AM

      Harvey becomes the eighth pitcher to go on the IL this year. Signed to a one-year, $6 million contract with an option for 2027, Harvey has appeared in four games with a 8.37 FIP (6.75 ERA), allowing three runs, including two homers, with one walk and four strikeouts in four innings. He last appeared in a game Wednesday, facing the minimum three batters while giving up a hit in the ninth inning to finish off a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

      Barnes is back in the majors for the first time since 2021 with the Minnesota Twins. He made three appearances, one start, at Iowa and posted a 2.38 ERA in 11⅓ innings. Barnes gave up three runs on eight hits, but did walk eight while striking out 14. He made nine appearances for the Twins five years ago with a 5.92 ERA, then spent the next three seasons with Lotte of the Korea Baseball Organization.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      In need of a bit of good news on the pitching front, Ethan Roberts is back in the Chicago Cubs' bullpen.

      The Cubs activated the right-handed reliever off the 15-day injured list Friday. To make room, right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell was sent back to Triple-A Iowa.

      Roberts has been out since going on the IL April 15 with a laceration on his middle finger on his right hand. The laceration occurred just a few days after his second call-up of the season. Between those two stints, Roberts has appeared in three games covering 2⅔ innings, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks with two strikeouts. He has made a total of eight relief appearances at Triple-A, posting a 1.93 ERA with five walks and nine strikeouts in 9⅓ innings.

      Hollowell was just called up Thursday to patch the bullpen if needed. He did not pitch in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Hollowell did pitch in two games previously this season, allowing two runs in 1⅔ innings.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Another day, another pitching injury.

      The Chicago Cubs on Friday placed right-handed reliever Phil Maton on the 15-day injured list with a right knee injury. Left-hander David Peterson, acquired two days ago in a trade with the Mets, was added to the 26-man roster and will make his Cubs debut when he starts Saturday against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

      Maton becomes the 11th Cubs pitcher to currently be on the injured list. He was on the IL in the early stages of the season with tendinitis in his right knee, but was out just a brief time. Acquired at last year's trade deadline and then re-signing with the Cubs as a free agent, Maton has struggled this season. In 30 games and 26⅔ innings, he has a 5.47 FIP (6.08 ERA) with an 11.5% walk rate and 23.8% strikeout rate, both numbers a few percentage points below his career averages (9.2% and 26.5%).

      While the Cubs are desperate for starting pitching, Peterson has also struggled this year, putting up a 3.85 FIP (6.09 ERA) in 16 games, including eight starts. He has a 9.4% walk rate and 19.7% strikeout rate.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Vince Velasquez's comeback has reached the majors. Again.

      The Chicago Cubs called up the right-handed starter, who hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2023, from Triple-A Iowa on Friday. He replaces left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar, who sustained a strained left hamstring in Thursday's 8-7 walk-off win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs also called up from Triple-A infielder Nicky Lopez, acquired via trade Thursday from the Colorado Rockies.

      To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Velasquez and Lopez, infielder Scott Kingery was designated for assignment and right-handed reliever Porter Hodge was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.

      Velasquez is the latest addition to a beleaguered pitching staff. He last pitched in the majors in 2023 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, before undergoing Tommy John surgery on his 31st birthday in June of that year. He latched on with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, signing a minor-league contract and even got a call-up last year for a couple days in May, but did not pitch.

      He figures to get a chance to pitch for the Cubs, who have 10 pitchers on the IL, including four who are now on the 60-day IL. Velasquez had made four appearances, all but one a start, for Iowa this season, with a 3.71 ERA, walking  nine and striking out 17 in 17 innings.

      Lopez had a slash line of .333/.387/.519 with one homer and eight RBIs in 15 games for the Rockies' Triple-A team before being acquired for cash Thursday.

      Kingery made the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but appeared in just eight games, going 1-for-4.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs made a minor move involving their bullpen Thursday, calling up right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa.

      To make room on the 26-man roster, right-handed reliever Corbin Martin was designated for assignment.

      Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) May 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM

      Hollowell will be making his first appearance with the Cubs after beginning the season at Iowa. He has made 40 MLB appearances with the Cubs and Colorado Rockies over the last four years, including seven with Chicago in 2025. He has a career 5.79 ERA with a 12.3% walk and 21.7% strikeout rate.

      This year at Iowa, Hollowell appeared in six games, allowing two runs on four hits with six walks and 15 strikeouts in eight innings for a 2.25 ERA.

      Martin made seven appearances with the Cubs since coming up April 18. He had a 10.80 over five innings, giving up six runs on five hits (two homers) with five walks and four strikeouts.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After a rough medical start to the season, the Chicago Cubs are starting to get some of their arms back.

      The latest is right-handed reliever Phil Maton, who was activated Monday off the 15-day injured list. Left-handed reliever Charlie Barnes, who was called up Sunday, was sent back to Triple-A Iowa.

      Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) April 27, 2026 at 3:10 PM

      Maton is a welcome veteran addition to the Cubs' bullpen. He has been on the IL since April 10 with tendinitis in his right knee and threw one scoreless inning Friday for Iowa. He was not off to a great start after signing as a free agent in November. In four innings over five appearances before going on the IL, Maton had a 13.50 ERA, allowing six runs on six hits, including a homer, with four walks and five strikeouts and two hit batters.

      Maton made his MLB debut in 2017 and has a 4.06 ERA. He started 2025 with the St. Louis Cardinals, then was dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline. He had a combined 2.79 ERA in 63 games and 61⅓ innings.

      Barnes did not pitch Sunday and has one three-inning appearance in his two call-ups this season.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After a rough go with the Houston Astros, Jayden Murray has a second chance with the Chicago Cubs.

      Murray was officially added to the Cubs' 26-man roster after being acquired in a trade Saturday from the Houston Astros for minor-league first baseman Cameron Sisneros. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

      Murray had been designated for assignment by the Astros after a 7.43 ERA in eight appearances and 13⅓ innings. That was quite the difference from when he made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Astros, when he appeared in nine games and had a 1.54 ERA in 11⅔ innings. Murray was drafted in the 23rd round in 2019 out of Dixie State.

      Hollowell has appeared in three games with the Cubs this season, allowing two runs in 3⅔ innings for a 4.91 ERA with five walks and two strikeouts.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Injuries continue to strike the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff.

      Right-handed closer Daniel Palencia went on the 15-day injured list Friday with a strained left oblique. A corresponding move to fill Palencia's spot on the active roster was not immediately announced, leaving the team shorthanded for Friday's game against the New York Mets.

      Today’s roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) April 17, 2026 at 10:50 AM

      Palencia becomes the 10th Cubs pitcher to currently be on the injured list, which has challenged the team's depth. He has made five appearances this season, recording a save in his only opportunity while not allowing a run in five innings. Palencia has allowed three hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Palencia last pitched Sunday, getting the win after pitching the top of the ninth in the Cubs' 7-6 walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

      Palencia emerged as the Cubs' closer last season, converting 22 of 25 save chances and posting a 2.91 ERA in 54 appearances.

      Right-hander Colin Rea is the only other Cub with a save this season, but he is now part of the starting rotation due to the slew of injuries. With Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks also on the IL, the Cubs are likely to use a committee approach to the closing duties.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Porter Hodge situation took a dramatic turn Wednesday.

      The right-handed reliever, who has appeared in 75 games over the past two seasons, will have surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow next week, manager Craig Counsell said before Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. That would put most if not all of next season in jeopardy for Hodge.

      Counsell said Hodge, who began throwing again April 4 after being shut down early in spring training, recently had a setback that led to the decision to have the procedure, which will take place Monday. Right-handed starter Cade Horton is slated to have his UCL reconstruction surgery Thursday.

      The 25-year-old Hodge made his MLB debut in 2024 and had a fantastic year. In 39 appearances, Hodge compiled a 1.88 ERA and converted nine of 12 save opportunities. His 2025 was almost the opposite of his rookie year as Hodge's ERA blew up to 6.27 in 36 games, including two saves in five chances.

       

      Matthew Trueblood

      Let's be honest here. Maybe Vidal Bruján is a trifle more broadly talented than Emmanuel Rivera, but in practice, he's a worse player—especially for the current Chicago Cubs. The Cubs need a righty batter who can occasionally work their way on base without being deployed as a pinch-runner, and one who can capably handle the hot corner with the glove. Much though all Cubs fans wish that either Bruján or Jon Berti met those descriptions, right now, they don't.

      Emmanuel Rivera does, though. Rivera, who turns 29 at the end of this month, has hit just .232/.302/.275 for the Orioles this season, so it's hard to fault them for designating him for assignment. However, that's against a career line of .243/.306/.363—no star slugger's line, but a fine one for a solid defensive infielder off the bench. That's precisely what Rivera is. He's been worth 5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) even in very limited action for the Orioles at third this year. He can also play some first base. Against lefties, he's a career .254/.318/.381 hitter, much better than what Bruján can offer as a backup to Matt Shaw at third base.

      Rivera is a good floor to reset for third base. The Cubs should be able to acquire him for cash, and if the front office is smart, they'll place a quick call to Mike Elias in the wake of this news.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Already on a roll, the Chicago Cubs now have their best pitcher back on the roster.

      Left-hander Matthew Boyd was activated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday in time to start against the Philadelphia Phillies. Left-handed reliever Luke Little was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs have won seven in a row.

      Boyd, the Cubs' Opening Day starter, went on the IL April 6 with a strained left biceps after making two starts. He has a 6.75 ERA in 9⅓ innings with three walks and 17 strikeouts. Boyd had one rehab appearance at Iowa, setting him up for Wednesday's return.

      Despite a slew of injuries, including Tommy John surgery for right-hander Cade Horton, starting pitching has been a recent strength. Now, that rotation gets even better with Boyd's return. The Cubs are also waiting for left-hander Justin Steele to come back from his UCL revision surgery. He is expected to return sometime before the All-Star break.

      Little was called up April 14, but made only one appearance, allowing a run in one inning on April 15 in an 11-2 win over the Phillies.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After a few days of mainly bad news regarding the health of the starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs made official what everyone had been anticipating: Matthew Boyd is back.

      The Cubs activated the left-hander from the 15-day injured list so he could start Thursday's series finale against the New York Mets. Right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

      Boyd had gone on the injured list May 6 after an incident at home where he was playing with his kids and tore his left meniscus, which was immediately repaired via surgery. That came after he missed a good chunk of April with a strained left biceps.

      Boyd's return comes a couple days after the Cubs placed two starters, Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown, on the 15-day IL. Brown's injury, originally called a neck strain, actually ends up being more serious than first thought, with manager Craig Counsell calling it a stress reaction in his neck and keeping Brown sidelined at least a month. The Cubs also claimed right-hander Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

      That led the Cubs to make a trade with the Mets following their doubleheader Wednesday in which Chicago acquired left-handed starter David Peterson for prospect first baseman Cole Mathis, who is currently injured.

      Hollowell has been Yo-Yo'd recently. Called up June 16, he was sent down Tuesday, called up Wednesday and sent back to Iowa on Thursday. He appeared in a total of three games for 2⅔ innings in that span.

      After the Mets series, the Cubs begin a big three-game series on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The quest for Ty Blach to return to the majors is complete.

      The left-hander was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. Right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A and reliever Hunter Harvey was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL to make room for Blach on the 40-man roster.

      Blach has not pitched in the majors since the 2024 season, the last of his three years with the Colorado Rockies. At Triple-A this year, Blach made five appearances, including three starts. In 20⅔ innings, he walked seven and struck out 14 for a 5.23 ERA. He signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs this offseason.

      In 2025, Blach pitched in the Texas Rangers' organization, making 11 starts at Triple-A and posting a 3.88 ERA, walking 13 and striking out 40 in 51 innings.

      Assad has struggled this season. After making three starts that included giving up nine runs in one game, he was moved to the bullpen. His five relief appearances have mainly been good, although he did give up six runs in 2⅓ innings in one game.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Vince Velasquez feel-good comeback story lasted one game.

      Velasquez, a right-handed pitcher, on Sunday was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs. But there was more bad news from the Cubs as left-hander Riley Martin went on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left elbow.

      Left-hander Charlie Barnes and right-hander Yacksel Rios were called up from Triple-A Iowa. Rios was not on the 40-man roster, thus the need to DFA Velasquez. Martin makes it 11 pitchers currently on the IL for the Cubs.

      Velasquez pitched in Saturday's 12-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2⅓ shutout inxnings with one hit and no walks while striking out one. He now hits the waiver wire. If Velasquez goes unclaimed or isn't traded, it is possible he returns to the organization.

      Martin was called up April 5 to make his MLB debut and appeared in eight games, posting a 2.16 ERA, walking two and striking out 10 in 8⅓ innings.

      Barnes is back after a brief call-up in which he appeared in one game, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks with one strikeout in three innings on April 13 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

      Rios is a 32-year-old who made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has appeared in 92 games, all in relief, and has a 6.32 ERA. He lasted appeared in the majors in 2023 with the Oakland A's, pitching in three games and allowing seven runs in 1⅔ innings.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The experiment of using left-hander Jordan Wicks in the starting rotation did not go well to say the least. Thus, Wicks is headed back to the minors.

      The Chicago Cubs on Tuesday optioned Wicks back to Triple-A Iowa and called up right-hander Tyler Ferguson from Iowa.

      Wicks lasted just 6⅓ innings in his two starts since being called up, allowing 11 runs on 13 hits with one walk and six strikeouts. That resulted in a 15.63 ERA.

      Ferguson was acquired from the A's on May 7 after being designated for assignment. He made just one appearance for the A's this year, giving up four runs in 1⅓ innings in a 9-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on May 5. At Triple-A Iowa this year, he pitched in six games covering 7⅔ innings, walking five and striking out five for a 3.52 ERA. He has appeared in 105 games with the A's over the last three seasons with a 4.47 ERA with a 12.6 walk rate and 25.4 strikeout rate.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Just when you thought things might have been turning around for the Chicago Cubs' injury situation, it took a dramatic turn for the worse.

      Left-hander Matthew Boyd, the Opening Day starter, was placed on the 15-day injured list by the Cubs on Wednesday after injuring his left knee at home. Right-handed reliever Trent Thornton was called up from Triple-A Iowa. Left-handed reliever Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to make room for Thornton on the 40-man roster.

      Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) May 6, 2026 at 2:50 PM

      Boyd is slated to have surgery to repair his meniscus. There is not a timetable for his return. Boyd had just returned April 22 from left biceps tendinitis. The rotation is also down two other notable starters in right-hander Cade Horton, who is out for the season after having elbow and flexor tendon surgery, and left-hander Justin Steele recently had a setback in his recovery from UCL revision surgery. Boyd makes it 10 Cubs pitchers who are currently on the IL.

      Still, the Cubs entered the day atop the NL Central at 24-12 and a seven-game winning streak.

      Thornton signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs in the offseason and made four appearances at Iowa, including one start. In 5⅔ innings, he had allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs are getting an important piece of their bullpen back.

      Left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar was activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday by the Cubs. Left-handed reliever Ty Blach was designated for assignment after making his team debut Monday.

      Thielbar has been on the injured list since April 24 with a strained left hamstring. He made one rehab appearance with High-A South Bend over the weekend, pitching one scoreless inning with a hit, a walk and two strikeouts. With the Cubs, Thielbar has made 11 appearances covering 8⅔ innings, walking five and striking out 11.

      Blach pitched three scoreless innings in Monday's 9-3 blowout loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing one hit and no walks with two strikeouts.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      As injuries continue to hit the pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs continue to bring in help from wherever they can find it.

      The Cubs on Wednesday claimed right-hander Bryse Wilson off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. Right-handed reliever Christian Roa was designated for assignment to make room for Wilson on the 40-man roster. A move regarding the 26-man roster will need to be made once Wilson reports to the Cubs.

      Wilson was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Monday. The Cubs are approaching desperation mode after two more starting pitchers went on the 15-day injured list before Wednesday's doubleheader against the New York Mets in Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown. The good news is left-hander Matthew Boyd is set to come off the 15-day IL and rejoin the rotation Thursday.

      Wilson made just one appearance with the Phillies, pitching two scoreless innings in Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Mets.

       

      Brock Beauchamp

      The Cubs added depth by signing 32-year-old right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull. He will be assigned to the minor leagues to ramp back up after being released by Toronto in late June.

      In 2024 with Philadelphia, Turnbull threw 54 1/3 innings of 2.65 ERA/3.85 FIP baseball, with a career-best 26.1% strikeout rate. Last season, Turnbull leaned on his new sweeper (about one-third usage), which held hitters to .145 AVG/.226 SLG and a 30.8% whiff rate. In very limited 2025 use (only 28 sweepers thrown), the results were poor.

      Things have unraveled for Turnbull in 2025, with his brief stop in Toronto showing negative run value on almost all of his pitches. Turnbull, once a starter with decent velocity (93.8 mph fastball in 2021 with the Tigers), has seen his velo drop consistently and sat at just 90.9 mph with the Blue Jays early this year.

      image.png

      Alexis Farinacci

      Major League Baseball on Wednesday announced and informed teams of the updated slot values and bonus pools for the 2026 MLB Draft taking place in Philadelphia, July 11-13.

      All pick values saw a 2.5 percent increase from 2025, which comes from the overall growth in MLB’s revenue year to year. Coming into the 2026 draft, per Jim Callis of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs have an $9,644,100 bonus pool. That ranks 20th among all 30 teams this year. The Cubs have the 23rd pick in the first round of the draft. Slotted at No. 23 in round one, they have a slot value of $3,947,600. Because they were a playoff team in 2025, they were ineligible to move up in the lottery since their team was not impacted by other teams. Moving down to No. 25 from No. 17 in 2025, their slot value is $803,200 less than in 2025 for that round one pick.

      In 2025, the Cubs selected outfielder Ethan Conrad with their 17th overall pick. Conrad was drafted out of Wake Forest and still had a high upside despite dealing with a shoulder injury.

      Moving on to the second round, the Cubs’ No. 62 pick has a slot value of $1,487,200. They will then select at No. 75 with a free-agent compensation pick. That pick is worth $1,120,900 and is in exchange for Kyle Tucker, whom the Dodgers signed in January to a four-year, $240 million deal. 

      The Cubs will select at No. 98 in round three, which has a slot value of $800,000. In round four, they will select at No. 126, with a slot value of $609,200.

      Round five, their slot value for pick No. 159 drops to $441,300, with round six (pick No. 188) at $344,400. As the draft continues, pick No. 217 in round seven has a value of $272,000, and round eight decreases to $224,100 for pick No. 247, followed by round nine (Pick No. 277) at $204,100, and pick No. 307 (tenth and final round) at $193,300 as they round out their draft.
      Because the Cubs have a lower pick, it is likely they will spend more than teams with higher picks and higher slot values.

      Heading into the draft, the Cubs are predicted to have an offensive-heavy draft, targeting college-level athletes. Prospects they’re said to be targeting include middle infielder Eric Becker out of Virginia, Zion Rose out of Louisville, and second baseman Chris Rembert from Auburn.

      Becker is a player with fast bat speed and great instincts at the plate. Rose is a physical, plus-hitter with a lot of power. A Chicago native, Rose would be right at home in Chicago.

      Rembert out of Auburn is another target of Chicago’s. He’s a pure hitter with great ability.

      The Chicago White Sox have the No.1 pick and will be on the clock on July 11 when the MLB draft begins. They have a slot value of $11,350,600.

      Paul Niemiec

      The Chicago Cubs have signed former Astros outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor-league contract with an invite to Spring Training, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

      McCormick was outrighted off the Astros roster following the 2025 season where he missed nearly 2 months with a left oblique strain. He appeared in 64 games at the Major League level and slashed .210/.279/.290 with a -1.0 WAR. For the second straight season, McCormick appeared in fewer than 100 games while posting a negative WAR. 

      McCormick is nothing more than an outfield depth flier for the Cubs. The soon-to-be 31 year old looked like a late-blooming star in 2023 when he hit .273 with 22 home runs, 19 stolen bases, and an .842 OPS; all while playing above average defense across the outfield. As it stands, McCormick will be competing for a backup outfielder role with top prospect Kevin Alcantara and newly acquired Justin Dean, who are both on the 40 man roster. 

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs have their closer back.

      Right-hander Daniel Palencia was activated from the 15-day injured list Sunday, with right-handed reliever Yacksel Rios being designated for assignment. Palencia had been out since April 17 with a strained left lat.

      The Cubs' pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, but the team has still put together the best record in the NL Central at this early stage of the season at 21-12 entering Sunday's action. The Cubs still have nine pitchers on the injured list.

      Today’s roster updates presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) May 3, 2026 at 8:20 AM

      Palencia's return fortifies the bullpen. He had yet to allow a run in five appearances when he went down, walking two and striking out five in five innings.

      Rios was called up a week ago Sunday and made just one appearance, going 1⅔ scoreless innings that day against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two.

       

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