Chicago Cubs News

Cody Poteet • SP • Cubs

Cody Poteet Dealt To The Cubs

The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Cody Poteet from the New York Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and cash, according to sources. Poteet only appeared in five regular-season games (four starts) for the Yankees in 2024 and allowed seven runs (six earned) on 18 hits (two home runs) while walking eight and striking out 16 in 24 1/3 innings pitched. He made his debut in 2021 with the Miami Marlins and has a 3.80 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with a 20.2% strikeout rate and 10.2% walk rate in 83 innings over three major-league seasons. Poteet won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar next year but will give the Cubs some pitching insurance as both a starter and reliever. He will most likely start the 2025 campaign pitching for Triple-A Iowa.

1 hour ago

Michael Busch • 1B • Cubs

Michael Busch Unlikely To Be Moved To 3B

Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports that it doesn't sound like Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is an option to move across the diamond to third base next year after the team traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros last week. Instead, the Cubs could give the job to top prospect Matt Shaw if he earns the job in spring training. Busch has some experience playing third base in his career, but the Cubs would prefer to keep his solid glove at first heading into his second season with the team. In his first full year in the big leagues in 2024, the lefty hitting Busch batted .248/.335/.440 with 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 73 runs scored in 152 games played. He could build on his solid season in 2025, but Busch's limited positional versatility and struggles against left-handed pitching will limit his overall fantasy upside.

10 hours ago

Matt Shaw • SS • Cubs

Matt Shaw To Receive "Long Look" At 3B In Spring Training

Chicago Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw will receive a "long look" at third base in spring training, according to general manager Jed Hoyer. "He has to earn that job, I'm not going to gift him that on a conference call in the middle of December," Hoyer said. Michael Busch, who served as the team's primary first baseman in 2024, doesn't sound like an option to slide across the diamond to play third, which only increases the odds of Shaw winning the Opening Day third base job after the club traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros last week. The 23-year-old would be worth selecting in single-year fantasy drafts if he wins the starting job in spring training given his overall upside. Shaw was impressive in 121 combined games with Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa in 2024, slashing .284/.379/.488 with an .867 OPS, 21 homers, 71 RBI and 31 steals in 523 plate appearances. He has 25-homer, 25-steal potential in the big leagues.

11 hours ago

Nico Hoerner • 2B • Cubs

Cubs Unlikely To Seek Trade Partner For Nico Hoerner

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are less likely to seek a trade partner for second baseman Nico Hoerner. Rosenthal noted that the Cubs needed to move an infielder to create a path for their top prospect, Matt Shaw, and that was accomplished by including Isaac Parades in the package to bring in Kyle Tucker. With Parades out of the lineup, the Cubs will likely prefer to keep Hoerner for the time being. Last season, the 27-year-old held a .273/.335/.373 line with seven home runs and 31 stolen bases. Hoerner opened the season as the leadoff hitter but was eventually pushed down to the bottom half of the lineup. Hoerner also underwent flexor tendon surgery in October but was not given a definite timeline and could miss some time early on. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Spring Training. If he returns to his spot at the top of the order, Hoerner does have a path to being a reliable top-12 second baseman in category formats, given his elite speed and batting average. He could also be in line to tally a career-high in runs batting in front of Kyle Tucker.

2 days ago

Alexander Canario • LF • Cubs

Alexander Canario Having Success In Dominican Winter League

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Alexander Canario is hitting well in the Dominican Winter League, with his slashline now up to .321/.413/.604 with four home runs in 63 plate appearances. Canario finished 2023 as the Cubs 11th-ranked prospect, but has since fallen outside the top 30. The 24-year-old has briefly seen the majors in each of the last two seasons, and while he's 12-for-42 (.286) with a pair of home runs, the 42.2% strikeout rate that came with it is unacceptable. The good news is that the strikeouts might be something he's working on over the winter, currently with an 8:9 BB:K for the Cibaenas. The Cubs already have a crowded outfield, but with Cody Bellinger likely on the move, it could help free up the logjam a bit so that Canario could end up at least being a bench bat for the Cubs in 2025. If that were the case, he wouldn't move the needle for fantasy, but if he were able to somehow crack the starting roster, his power would be something for managers to consider.

2 days ago

Matt Shaw • SS • Cubs

Matt Shaw Could Make Opening Day Roster

With the Chicago Cubs sending infielder Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros in the trade for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, it could give top prospect Matt Shaw a clear path to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster in 2025. If the Cubs feel Shaw needs more time in the minors, Michael Busch could be moved across the diamond from first base to the hot corner. As things stand now (barring a trade), Chicago has Tucker, Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki for right field/designated-hitter duties, so if Bellinger isn't traded, he could slide to first base. Shaw, 23, is the No. 22 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, and hit .284/.379/.488 with 21 dingers and 31 stolen bases this past season with Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. He has the potential to hit 25 homers and steal 25 bases while also hitting for a decent average at the next level, making him a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues.

3 days ago

Carson Kelly • C • Cubs

Carson Kelly Agrees To Two-Year Contract With Cubs

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs and free-agent catcher Carson Kelly have agreed to a two-year contract worth $11.5 million. Kelly opened the 2024 campaign catching for the Tigers before finishing his season with the Rangers. Across 91 games in the majors, the veteran backstop carried a .238/.318/.374 slash line with nine doubles, nine home runs, and a 25:55 BB:K. The 30-year-old spent most of his professional career playing with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2019 through 2023. Overall, Kelly holds a career .224/.307/.373 slash line. Kelly will now likely slot in as the No. 2 option behind Miguel Amaya behind the dish. Last season, Amaya took a nice step forward in his second major-league season, posting an impressive .271/.316/.444 line after the All-Star break. Fantasy managers should still expect Amaya to see most of the starts to open the 2025 season.

4 days ago

Kyle Tucker • RF • Cubs

Cubs Acquire Kyle Tucker From The Astros

The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Cubs and New York Yankees were the most aggressive suitors for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 campaign. With Tucker now in tow, the Cubs will move to trying to offload Cody Bellinger's bloated contract. In addition, Chicago could quickly look to get Tucker signed to a long-term contract extension if they want to keep the three-time All-Star around for more than just one season. The 27-year-old Tucker was limited to only 78 games in 2024 due to a fractured shin, but he still managed 23 homers and 11 stolen bases. From a power/speed perspective alone, Tucker is a first-round fantasy talent, and his move to Chicago shouldn't do anything to change that.

4 days ago

Kyle Tucker • RF • Cubs

Cubs Close To Acquiring Kyle Tucker From The Astros

The Chicago Cubs are close to acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday for a package led by infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Astros have also been looking closely at prospect Matt Shaw, but it's unclear if he'll be included if this trade goes down. If Chicago is able to land Tucker, one of the best all-around players in the game, they will most likely look to sign him to a long-term contract extension as well, as he's set to become a free agent after the 2025 campaign. Despite missing half of the 2024 season due to a fractured shin, Tucker still managed 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases and walked more than he struck out. The three-time All-Star has an incredibly high fantasy floor and should remain a first-round fantasy asset if he's moved to the Windy City. Stay tuned.

4 days ago

Kyle Tucker • RF • Cubs |

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith Being Discussed In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade

The Chicago Cubs continue to work hard on acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, and corner infielder Isaac Paredes and third baseman Cam Smith are the primary names being discussed. In addition to the Cubs, the New York Yankees have been involved with trying to acquire the left-handed-hitting Tucker after they failed to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Paredes, 25, was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cubs in 2024. He wasn't as good with Chicago, hitting .223 with three homers and 25 RBI in 52 games played. There's bounce-back potential for Paredes if he heads to Houston after he hit 31 homers a year ago with Tampa. Smith, 21, is the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is quickly rising up prospect ranks after hitting .313/.396/.609 with seven homers in 32 games in the minors in his first pro season after Chicago took him 14th overall in the 2024 draft. UPDATE: Talks between the Astros and Cubs are "gaining momentum."

4 days ago

Cody Bellinger • CF • Cubs

Yankees Targeting Cody Bellinger

The New York Post's Jon Heyman writes that the New York Yankees are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger in a trade this offseason after failing to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. In addition to Bellinger, the Yankees could go after Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker or free agents Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Christian Walker and Anthony Santander. New York's emphasis for a position player is on third base, first base and outfield. Although the Yankees and Cubs remain far apart on money, they've made a bit of progress during the MLB winter meetings this week. Chicago is asking the Yankees to take on nearly the full $52.5 million Bellinger is due over the next couple years. Bellinger is a former MVP who would bring great defense at first base and would also be an insurance policy in center field in case prospect Jasson Dominguez doesn't work out.

5 days ago

Kyle Tucker • RF • Astros |

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Cubs

Astros Targeting Seiya Suzuki, Isaac Paredes In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade

The Houston Astros are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and infielder Isaac Paredes in a possible trade for outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources briefed on the team's talks. The two teams have exchanged a variety of names in discussions, and any package for Tucker would also likely included prospects. Houston is also interested in third baseman Cam Smith, who was a first-rounder earlier this year. A source says the Cubs are highly unlikely to trade Suzuki and would prefer to unload Cody Bellinger's contract this offseason in a separate trade. Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, so the Astros could be wanting to get something in return if they feel they won't be able to re-sign him. After Juan Soto's huge deal, Tucker, one of the best hitters in baseball, could command a deal of at least $400 to $500 million. The Yankees are another team pursuing a trade for Tucker.

6 days ago

Dansby Swanson • SS • Cubs

Dansby Swanson Undergoes Core Surgery

The Chicago Cubs announced on Saturday that shortstop Dansby Swanson (core) had successful surgery on his core in early October with Dr. Bill Meyer. Swanson isn't expected to miss any time as the result of his offseason surgery and should be ready to go for the start of spring training in mid-February. The 30-year-old wasn't quite as good in his second year in Chicago as he was the previous two seasons when he was an All-Star, as he slashed .242/.312/.390 with a .701 OPS, 16 home runs, 66 RBI, a career-high 19 stolen bases and 82 runs scored in 593 trips to the plate and 149 games. If not for a late-season surge, Swanson would have had a terrible 2024, as he hit just .219/.291/.346 with nine homers in his first 99 games. Despite his resurgence from a poor start, Swanson's career-high 49.9% ground-ball rate doesn't pound to a rebound in the power department going forward.

Dec 7

Seiya Suzuki • RF • Cubs

Seiya Suzuki In Trade Discussions

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Chicago Cubs are "determined" to trade either outfielders Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki. While Bellinger's name has been on the trade block earlier this offseason, Suzuki's name has yet to enter the conversation. Suzuki has spent each of his first three MLB seasons with the Cubs and has posted an overall .278/.354/.470 line. Last season, he hit a career-high 21 home runs and swiped a career-high 16 bags. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 49.2% hard-hit and 11.5% barrel rates. Given Chicago's surplus of young outfielders such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and even top-hitting prospect infielder Matt Shaw, the Cubs may opt to ship one of these MLB bats to improve another position on their roster, which will open a spot for one of their budding prospects.

Dec 7

Cody Bellinger • CF • Cubs

Cody Bellinger's Trade Market Is Heating Up

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's trade market is heating up. Levine notes that since the Cubs have a surplus of outfield bats, this could open the door for the Cubs to shop Bellinger at the Winter Meetings. Currently, on their roster, the Cubs have multiple outfielders who are already established at the major league level, such as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, and several young outfield prospects, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara. Crow-Armstrong flashed a high upside late last summer as he posted a stellar .314 AVG in August with five doubles, four home runs, and six stolen bases. Bellinger was still very productive last season, holding a solid .266/.325/.426 slash line. However, with their top outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, knocking on the big league door, the Cubs may use this as an opportunity to trade Bellinger to find a player to improve another position on their roster. If Bellinger is moved out of the Northside, Caissie is a name to keep a close eye on during Spring Training as he could be a high-upside pick in late in drafts.

Dec 6

Matthew Boyd • SP • Cubs

Matthew Boyd Lands With Cubs On Two-Year Deal

Free-agent veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Chicago Cubs on Monday. Boyd will make $14.5 million per year plus $1 million in incentives ($500,000 per season). The 33-year-old southpaw was recovering from Tommy John surgery early in 2024 and didn't sign with the Cleveland Guardians until June. When he finally debuted, he was effective on the mound in Cleveland, going 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA (3.29 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, 46 strikeouts and 13 walks in 39 2/3 frames over his eight starts during the regular season. In the postseason, Boyd was even better, giving up only one run in 12 innings pitched. Although Boyd hasn't made more than 15 regular-season starts in a single season since 2019, he'll give the Cubbies some valuable starting experience for their starting rotation to open the 2025 campaign.

Dec 2

Brooks Kriske • RP • Cubs

Brooks Kriske Signs Minors Deal With Cubs

Free-agent right-hander Brooks Kriske on X earlier this week that he has signed a minor-league deal with his childhood team, the Chicago Cubs. At the Triple-A levels with the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles in 2024 for Louisville and Norfolk, respectively, he went a combined 5-0 with a 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 81 strikeouts and 35 walks in 58 1/3 innings pitched in his 50 appearances out of the bullpen. The 30-year-old former sixth-round selection by the New York Yankees in 2016 out of USC made his big-league debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. He has only appeared in 20 games in relief since then with the Yankees, Orioles and Kansas City Royals and has been hit around to the tune of a rough 11.22 ERA and 1.85 WHIP while striking out 25 and walking 17 in 21 2/3 frames. Kriske will be trying to win a bullpen role for the Cubbies in spring training in 2025.

Nov 30

Ben Brown • RP • Cubs

Ben Brown Cleared For Normal Offseason Throwing Program

Chicago Cubs right-hander Ben Brown (neck) has been cleared for a normal offseason throwing program, according to a team source. Brown is one of the team's promising young pitchers, but unfortunately he didn't appear in a game after June 8 in his rookie season in 2024 due to an unusual neck injury. The 25-year-old had a 3.58 ERA in 55 1/3 innings for the Cubbies in a swing role and showed dominant tendencies at times as both a starter and reliever. It remains to be seen how the Cubs will choose to use him moving forward, but when healthy, Brown has the stuff to be fantasy relevant in all leagues. The most likely scenario is that the former 33rd-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 will be given a chance to win an Opening Day rotation spot. If health issues resurface, though, a long-term relief role could be in the cards for Brown.

Nov 28

Cody Bellinger • CF • Cubs

Cubs Focusing On Mid-Market Players, Trying To Unload Cody Bellinger

Despite being a cash cow in one of the largest markets in baseball, the Chicago Cubs are focusing on mid-market players this offseason and are probably out on outfielder Juan Soto and starting pitchers Corbin Burnes, Max Fried and Blake Snell. However, their plans could change if they are able to unload the bloated contract of first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. They've been offering Bellinger to everyone, but so far, nobody has expressed much interest. Bellinger hit .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBI and a .751 OPS in 2024 and is owed $27.5 million in 2025, $1.5 million more than Bryce Harper. He's guaranteed a minimum of $32.5 million through 2025 and $52.5 million if he stays through 2026. "Come on," one general manager said, "who's going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production."

Nov 25

Keegan Thompson • RP • Cubs

Keegan Thompson Staying In Chicago

According to Maddie Lee of the Sun Times, right-hander Keegan Thompson and the Chicago Cubs have agreed on a contract to avoid salary arbitration. Thompson battled injuries in 2024 but flashed solid potential when he was on the major-league mound. Across 30 1/3 innings on the Northside, the right-hander posted a strong 2.67 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with two saves. Thompson generated an excellent 28.3% strikeout rate but struggled with control as he held a rough 14.2% walk rate. With Triple-A Iowa, Thompson posted a 2.96 ERA and a 0.91 ERA in 27 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should monitor Thompson's development during spring training, as he could eventually become a candidate to operate as a high-leverage option given the upside he has flashed at times.

Nov 25

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