The Chicago Cubs officially signed right-hander Hunter Harvey to a one-year, $6 million contract plus incentives on Wednesday, confirming earlier reports of an agreement. The 31-year-old high-velocity arm joins a revamped bullpen after an injury-plagued 2025 with the Kansas City Royals, aligning with president Jed Hoyer's strategy of adding upside veterans.
The deal, first reported by The Athletic's Will Sammon and Sahadev Sharma pending a physical, bolsters Chicago's relief corps for 2026. Harvey brings elite stuff but durability questions after multiple injuries last year.
Drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013, Harvey has pitched in seven MLB seasons for Baltimore, Washington, and Kansas City. Career: 3.11 ERA over 182 outings, 26.8% K-rate, 6.8% BB-rate, 11 saves.
He broke out with the Nationals in 2022-23 (2.70 ERA, 112 K in 100 IP over 95 G), before a July 2024 trade to the Royals. In 2025 with Kansas City, injuries limited him to 12 appearances (10 2/3 scoreless IP, 11 K, 1 BB): right teres major strain (April-July), adductor strain (August), and back issue. His four-seam fastball averaged 98.3 mph (2022-23), 97.8 mph (2024), and 96.1 mph (2025 small sample); pitch mix: fastball (53%), splitter (19%), slider (18%), curve (10%).
This fits Hoyer's low-cost, high-upside approach. Other additions: RHP Phil Maton (2 years, $14.5M), Jacob Webb (1 year), Collin Snider (MiLB), Colin Rea (1 year, swingman); LHP Hoby Milner (1 year), Caleb Thielbar (1 year, re-signed). Daniel Palencia is the primary closer, with Harvey as high-leverage option.
Departures: Brad Keller (Phillies), Drew Pomeranz (Angels), Andrew Kittredge (traded to Orioles). The moves signal a depth-focused remodel for postseason contention.