Chicago adds key help with latest signings

The Chicago Cubs took a significant step towards reshaping his bench on Saturday, reaching an agreement with veteran reliever Hunter Harvey as the team continues to address late change needs ahead of the 2026 season.

The Cubs agreed to the 31-year-old Harvey, adding a high-velocity arm to a relief unit that was a clear priority in the offseason. The deal is pending and won’t become official until Harvey completes the necessary medical evaluations.

The deal was first reported by Will Sammon of the Athletics, who shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter) citing league sources familiar with the situation.

“Reliever Hunter Harvey and the Cubs have agreed on a deal pending a physical, league sources tell me and @sahadevsharma.

If it ends, the veteran reliever will be more than just a depth addition for the Cubs. The right-hander offers late-inning upside, bringing an arsenal of power that includes a fastball capable of reaching the upper 90s and a splitter that generates swing and miss at high velocity. His profile fits what Chicago has been looking to add at the end of games.

The timing of the move reflects a deliberate approach by the Cubs front office. Instead of waiting until spring training or settling for lower-ceiling options, the front office is targeting the upside early in the offseason. Harvey’s strikeout ability provides flexibility in how high-leverage innings can be handled.

However, there is one significant caveat. The right-handed pitcher’s recent MLB games have been interrupted by injuries, including shoulder, back and adductor issues. As a result, a physical draw is a significant step rather than a formality. Chicago’s willingness to move forward suggests a belief that the potential reward outweighs the risk.

From a rostering perspective, an agreement signals intent. The Cubs are dealing with an unstable bullpen proactively, with the goal of entering the 2026 season with more swing-and-miss options that can protect tight ends.

Until it is physically completed, the work remains unofficial. Still, the move positions Chicago to add one of the more intriguing relief arms on the market, bolstering a bullpen that needs impact rather than volume.