The Chicago Cubs have made pitching a clear priority this offseason. From acquiring Edward Cabrera to reinforcing the bullpen, Chicago has strengthened its staff enough to compete in a loaded National League.
Now, they’ve added even more depth.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs signed former 20-game winner Kyle Wright to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. Wright spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves and will now attempt to revive it in Chicago.
Wright’s Career Path
Wright was a standout at Vanderbilt, posting a 2.78 ERA and establishing himself as one of the top arms in college baseball. His success led to the Braves selecting him fifth overall in the 2017 MLB Draft.
Expectations were sky-high. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 30 prospect in baseball in both 2018 and 2019, during which he saw limited big-league action.
In 2018, Wright recorded a 4.50 ERA across four relief appearances. The following season, he transitioned into a starting role but struggled, posting an 8.69 ERA in seven games (four starts). His prospect ranking slipped to No. 52 entering 2020. During the pandemic-shortened season, he made eight starts and finished with a 5.21 ERA.
Wright spent much of 2021 refining his approach in Triple-A, where he impressed with a 3.02 ERA. However, his brief return to the majors that year didn’t go smoothly, as he logged a 9.95 ERA in two outings.
He turned a corner during the 2021 postseason, notably contributing 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball in Games 2 and 4 of the World Series. That performance offered a glimpse of his potential — and in 2022, he delivered on it. Wright led the league with 21 wins and posted a 3.19 ERA, ultimately finishing 10th in Cy Young voting.
Entering 2023 with high expectations, Wright’s momentum was derailed by injuries. Shoulder surgery limited him to part of the 2023 season and sidelined him for all of 2024. While rehabbing with the Kansas City Royals, additional hamstring and oblique injuries cost him most of the 2025 campaign.
Now healthy, Wright will try to rediscover the form that made him so effective in 2022. However, with the Cubs’ rotation and bullpen largely set, he projects as organizational depth. He’ll likely begin in the minors and need to earn another opportunity at the major league level.
If he can regain his rhythm, Wright could become a valuable option should injuries arise in Chicago’s pitching staff.
