As the Chicago Cubs continue shaping their roster ahead of the new season, the front office is taking calculated, low-risk swings on players who could provide meaningful upside. With pitching depth often determining how far a team can go over the course of a 162-game schedule, Chicago is clearly prioritizing experienced arms who might rediscover past form. Their latest move reflects that philosophy. Rather than making a headline-grabbing splash, the Cubs have opted for a veteran pitcher with a proven ceiling but recent health concerns, betting that a change of scenery and improved health could unlock value. For a team that believes it has the foundation of a competitive rotation, adding depth without long-term financial risk is a practical approach.
According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Cubs have agreed to a minor league contract with pitcher Kyle Wright that includes an invitation to major league camp. Wright, now 30, spent six seasons with the Atlanta Braves before being traded to the Kansas City Royals. However, he never appeared in a game for Kansas City over two seasons and eventually entered free agency.
Wright stepped away from competition in 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, aiming to return at full strength in 2025. Unfortunately, lingering hamstring and shoulder issues continued to complicate his comeback last season. He managed to pitch in eight minor league games in 2025 but was unable to secure a healthy return to the majors.
At his peak, Wright demonstrated frontline potential. His standout campaign came in 2022 when he finally received an extended opportunity in Atlanta’s rotation. That year, he posted a 21-5 record with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.159 WHIP, striking out 174 batters across 180.1 innings. His performance was worth 3.7 bWAR, and he finished 10th in National League Cy Young Award voting. Since then, however, injuries have prevented him from approaching that level of production, raising legitimate questions about whether he can recapture that form.
As for his role in Chicago, Wright brings versatility. He has experience both as a starter and as a reliever, though he may initially slot in as a swingman while he works his way back. The Cubs are confident in their current rotation depth. Starter Jameson Taillon recently expressed optimism about the group.
“It’s exciting,” Taillon said. “Obviously, Spring Training is always symbolic of the beginning of the journey together. It’s a good time to get to know each other and bond and set the standards and expectations for the year, and also just have fun being around a baseball field again.
“There’s a lot of depth. There’s probably eight, nine guys that you should feel good about starting a big league game. I think, for us, [the goal] is to have eight, nine guys you feel comfortable pitching in the playoffs and starting in the playoffs.”
Wright could strengthen that depth, either by competing for spot starts or by providing innings out of the bullpen as he works to regain consistency and earn greater responsibility.