Chicago Cubs
NL Central
The Rangers have signed Matt Festa to a minor-league contract. (Source: Evan Grant on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Festa's deal includes an invite to spring training, where he will have a chance to compete for a spot on the Rangers' pitching staff. He posted a 5.70 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 19 games last season.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs designated Rob Zastryzny for assignment.
Fantasy Impact: Chicago needed to open a roster spot following the acquisition of Ryan Brasier. Zastryzny will likely draw some interest on waivers.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs traded Luis Vazquez to the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations. (Source: Roch Kubatko on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Vazquez had been designated for assignment by the Cubs earlier this week. He'll add depth in the infield for Baltimore if he earns a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Category: Transactions
Wed, Jan 22nd 11:58am EST
By Ari Koslow
Dansby Swanson is expected to be fully healthy heading into spring training. (Source: The Athletic)
Fantasy Impact: Swanson underwent core surgery back in October which had been a nagging issue for him. He is looking to bounce back in what should be a healthier season for him.
Category: Injury Updates
The Cubs signed Trevor Richards to a minor league contract.
Fantasy Impact: The deal also includes an invite to spring training. Richards will compete for a depth role in the Cubs bullpen heading into Opening Day.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs and Kyle Tucker avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $16.5 million contract. (Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It was originally reported that the two sides weren't able to agree to a deal, but they wound up doing so. Tucker will look to keep up his success from Houston with the Cubs.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs re-signed Caleb Knight to a minor league contract.
Fantasy Impact: Knight will continue to add depth behind the plate for the Cubs organization.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs traded Miles Mastrobuoni to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. (Source: Taylor McGregor on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Mastrobuoni was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week. He'll add depth at shortstop for Seattle, but he won't be on the fantasy radar.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs designated Michael Arias for assignment. (Source: Meghan Montemurro on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Arias was let go to make room for the signing of Colin Rea. He will hit the waiver wire where he'll look to garner some interest.
Category: Transactions
Eli Morgan and the Cubs avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $950,000 contract.
Fantasy Impact: Morgan was acquired from the Guardians back in November. He figures to hold a high-leverage role in the Cubs bullpen.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs have traded Matt Mervis to the Marlins in exchange for Vidal Brujan. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Mervis was blocked at first base in the Cubs’ organization by Michael Busch. With no clear starter at first base for the Marlins, the 26-year old should have a chance to compete for the starting spot in spring training.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs have traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Bellinger had been linked to the Yankees for the past few weeks. He has two years remaining on his contract with an opt-out after 2025. He should find himself in center field for the Yankees and in the middle of the lineup, adding a left-handed power bat.
Category: Transactions
Cam Smith has been traded to the Houston Astros as part of a package sending Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. (Source: Chandler Rome on X)
Fantasy Impact: The 2024 first-round pick heads to Houston following a strong 2024 in the Cubs' minor league system. He is the 73rd overall prospect and becomes the Astros top overall prospect.
Category: Transactions
Hayden Wesneski has been traded to the Houston Astros as part of a package sending Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. (Source: Chandler Rome on X)
Fantasy Impact: Wesneski had an up-and-down season in 2024 as he bounced between the bullpen and starting rotation, ending with a 3.86 ERA in 67 innings. He'll get a fresh start in Houston, likely out of the bullpen.
Category: Transactions
Isaac Paredes has been traded to the Houston Astros as part of a deal sending Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. (Source: Chandler Rome on X)
Fantasy Impact: Paredes heads to Houston to likely replace Alex Bregman as the everyday third baseman. He hit .238 with a .739 OPS between the Rays and Cubs last season.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs signed Brooks Kriske to a minor league deal.
Fantasy Impact: Kriske spent time in Triple-A with the Orioles and Reds organizations. He'll add relief depth for the Cubs next season.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs and Keegan Thompson have agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. (Source: Maddie Lee on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Thompson was effective for the Cubs last season, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 24 games. He should compete for a spot in the Cubs' bullpen heading into 2025.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs and Julian Merryweather have agreed to a one-year, $1.225M deal to avoid arbitration. (Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Merryweather struggled in limited action last season. He will look to rebound after being limited to just 15 innings due to rib and knee injuries.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs have designated Trey Wingenter for assignment. (Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Wingenter will lose his spot on the 40-man roster to clear a spot for Matt Thaiss. The 30-year-old posted a 9.72 ERA and a 2.04 WHIP in seven games last season.
Category: Transactions
The Cubs have designated Patrick Wisdom for assignment. (Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Wisdom will lose his spot on the 40-man roster after the Cubs acquired Eli Morgan from the Guardians. The 33-year-old hit .171, with eight home runs, and 23 RBI in 75 games last season.
Category: Transactions