The Chicago Cubs have quietly made a notable addition to their pitching staff, agreeing to a free-agent contract with veteran reliever Hunter Harvey, according to a Saturday report from The Athletic. While the move may not generate headline buzz, it represents a calculated step toward improving the Cubs’ bullpen depth ahead of the upcoming season.
Harvey brings both pedigree and experience to Chicago. Originally selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, he was once considered one of baseball’s most promising pitching prospects, earning top-100 recognition during his rise through the minor leagues. However, a string of injuries slowed his ascent and delayed his major league debut until 2019, forcing Harvey to reinvent his path at the professional level.
Since reaching the majors, Harvey has built a solid reputation as a dependable bullpen arm. He has logged 182 career MLB appearances, all in relief, while posting an impressive 3.11 career ERA across stints with the Orioles, Washington Nationals, and Kansas City Royals. His ability to generate swing-and-miss stuff, paired with improved command, has allowed him to remain effective when healthy.
The 2025 season offered encouraging signs for Harvey’s continued value. Though limited in availability, he was dominant when on the mound for the Royals, throwing 10.2 scoreless innings across 12 appearances while striking out 11 batters. His performance reinforced the belief that he can be a reliable late-inning option when fully healthy.
For the Cubs, the signing aligns with a broader strategy of improving roster depth without overextending financially. Chicago has not been aggressive in pursuing high-profile free agents this offseason, instead focusing on incremental upgrades designed to strengthen the roster from the inside out. Harvey’s addition gives the Cubs another experienced arm capable of handling leverage situations or bridging innings in close games.
As the Cubs look to close the gap in the National League Central, particularly against the Milwaukee Brewers, bullpen consistency remains a key priority. Adding a pitcher with Harvey’s track record and upside could pay dividends over the course of a long season.
While his success will ultimately depend on health, the Cubs are betting that Harvey’s experience, resilience, and proven effectiveness will translate into meaningful contributions out of the bullpen. If he can stay on the field, this signing could turn into one of Chicago’s most valuable under-the-radar moves of the offseason.
