The baseball world was rocked on Thursday as the Cubs announced a surprising roster shakeup, parting ways with a key piece of their bullpen. Fans and analysts alike were caught off guard, as the move comes just months after the veteran reliever pitched in Chicago’s minor league system. The timing and suddenness of the decision have sparked widespread speculation about the team’s future plans.
This unexpected departure leaves the Cubs scrambling to fill a critical role in a bullpen that had already faced questions about depth and consistency. With spring training approaching, the organization now faces a high-pressure situation to find reliable arms capable of handling late-inning situations. The news sent shockwaves through both the fanbase and the league, highlighting just how unpredictable offseason moves can be.
The reliever at the center of the buzz is Yency Almonte, 31, who was previously traded to the Cubs in a blockbuster 2024 deal from the Dodgers. Almonte has not pitched in the major leagues since 2024 due to shoulder injuries but showed promise in the minors last season, posting a 1.86 ERA over 19.1 innings. Known for his towering 6-foot-5 frame and electric fastball, Almonte now has a chance to prove he can still dominate at the big-league level.
Almonte’s career numbers highlight his potential impact. Over 213 MLB appearances, all out of the bullpen, he has compiled an 8-6 record with a 4.44 ERA. During his previous stint with Los Angeles from 2022-23, he went 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA across 82 games, showing flashes of dominance and the ability to miss bats with a high-velocity fastball and sharp extension.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health and recent performance, Almonte represents a high-upside piece who could reshape any bullpen he joins. Analysts note that his combination of size, velocity, and experience makes him a rare commodity, especially for a reliever who can handle high-leverage innings. For the Cubs, losing him is more than just a personnel change — it’s a major blow to depth and strategy heading into the season.
As the news circulates, the baseball world will be watching closely to see where Almonte lands and how quickly he can regain form. While Cubs fans process the shock, the reliever himself now has an opportunity to write the next chapter of his career and remind the league of the talent that once made him a top bullpen arm. The move is a stark reminder of just how fast things can change in Major League Baseball.