It seems the only thing the Cubs needed to spark some movement in free agency was the start of Spring Training. On the same day as their first Cactus League matchup, Chicago made a trio of Minor League additions to bolster its camp roster.
The latest signing strengthens the pitching staff, as left-hander Jackson Brockett agreed to a Minor League contract with the Cubs. The former University of Nebraska standout went undrafted and has spent the last six months staying prepared in hopes of landing a deal. That opportunity finally arrived with Chicago.
Though Brockett faces long odds to make an immediate impact, simply joining an MLB organization marks an important first step toward the professional career he’s aiming to build. With the World Baseball Classic approaching in less than two weeks, many big-league players will soon depart camp to represent their countries, opening the door for additional roster moves around the league.
Brockett has yet to pitch in affiliated baseball, opting to train independently after going undrafted. Now in the Cubs system, he’ll have to prove himself quickly to earn a legitimate chance to showcase his abilities.
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, the lefty has solid size, but success on the mound will hinge more on command than frame. Throwing consistent strikes has been an occasional challenge for Brockett. Still, during his time in Lincoln, he developed into a dependable arm for the Cornhuskers.
Over four collegiate seasons, he made 34 starts and 23 relief appearances, compiling a 9-10 record with a 4.44 ERA across 57 outings. His performance steadily improved each year, highlighted by a strong senior campaign that likely caught the Cubs’ attention.
In 2025, Brockett appeared in 16 games, 15 as a starter, posting a 4-4 record with a career-best 3.66 ERA while logging more than 60 innings. While he may not overpower hitters, his 45 strikeouts against 23 walks reflect a contact-oriented approach. He also etched his name into school history by throwing the sixth no-hitter in Nebraska’s program.
Brockett features a fastball that sits around 91-92 mph and relies heavily on pitch location. He complements it with a developing mid-80s changeup and a traditional left-handed breaking ball, giving him a balanced three-pitch arsenal.
He is expected to open the season with the ACL Cubs, where his professional journey will officially begin. What may look like a depth signing for Chicago represents a long-awaited opportunity for Brockett.
