After coming up short in the pursuit of superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Chicago Cubs have pivoted back to a more pragmatic approach, turning their attention toward adding depth and upside to their outfield mix.
On Thursday, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reported that the Cubs signed veteran outfielder to a major contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. While the move may not generate headlines, it represents a low-risk gamble on a player who not long ago was a key contributor on a championship-caliber roster.
At 30 years old, McCormick now gets an opportunity to reset his career after two consecutive seasons derailed by injuries and inconsistent production. The Cubs are betting that a change of scenery, improved health, and a fresh start could help unlock the version of McCormick that once thrived in Houston.
Chas McCormick lands with Cubs searching for a fresh start
There was a time when McCormick was firmly entrenched as a reliable everyday option for the Astros, offering value on both sides of the ball. Known for his versatility in the outfield, strong defensive instincts, and above-average baserunning, McCormick also proved capable of delivering impact at the plate.
That version of McCormick was on full display during the 2023 season, when he emerged as one of Houston’s most consistent performers. He finished the year with a .273 batting average, a .353 on-base percentage, and an .842 OPS, while contributing 22 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. His combination of power, patience, and athleticism made him a trusted presence in the Astros’ lineup during their postseason push.
Unfortunately, injuries soon disrupted that momentum. In 2024, McCormick battled a series of physical setbacks, including a fractured hand, a hamstring strain, and recurring back tightness. Those issues limited him to just 94 games and took a noticeable toll on his performance. He ended the season hitting .211 with a .279 on-base percentage and a .576 OPS, while striking out in nearly 30 percent of his plate appearances.
The frustration carried over into 2025, when an oblique injury again sidelined him for extended stretches. McCormick appeared in only 64 games and continued to struggle to regain his timing at the plate, finishing with a .210 batting average, .279 on-base percentage, and .569 OPS. His strikeout rate climbed above 31 percent, further underscoring how difficult it was for him to find any rhythm while playing through lingering health concerns.
Now with the Cubs, McCormick will have the chance to compete for a roster spot in spring training and prove that his recent struggles were more about availability than ability. For Chicago, the signing offers affordable depth, defensive versatility, and the potential for a rebound if McCormick can stay on the field. For McCormick, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative and show he still has plenty to offer at the major-league level.
If he can rediscover even a portion of the form that made him a productive starter just two seasons ago, this quiet addition could end up being a smart and timely move for the Cubs as they continue to reshape their roster.