Cubs Lose 9-Year MLB Veteran To Hated Rival After Just 2 Games
The Chicago Cubs are grappling with significant pitching depth challenges due to numerous injuries, forcing constant roster adjustments. Former Cubs pitcher Bryse Wilson, recently designated for assignment after just two outings, has quickly signed with the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. Wilson had a successful 2023 season with the Brewers, posting a 2.58 ERA, and returns to a familiar team in need of pitching reinforcements following injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Kyle Harrison. This rapid transition underscores the Cubs' ongoing struggle to maintain pitching stability and Wilson's immediate value to a team where he previously thrived, potentially filling a swingman or bullpen role for Milwaukee.
The Chicago Cubs have been cycling quickly through pitching depth as injuries and roster churn continue to test their organizational flexibility.
With virtually an entire starting rotation and half a dozen impact bullpen arms on the injured list, the team has had to get creative with its roster to ensure innings are covered as it tries to stay in playoff position.
But now, one veteran who was very briefly part of the Cubs equation, has cut ties with the team and found a new opportunity with one of its biggest division rivals.
"Free-agent pitcher Bryse Wilson and the Milwaukee Brewers are in agreement on a contract,” FanSided’s Robert Murray reported on Friday. “Wilson, 28, was recently designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs and elected free agency. He quickly signs with the Brewers, who are in need of pitching reinforcements after Brandon Woodruff was diagnosed on Wednesday with a new injury to his right shoulder while left-handed starter Kyle Harrison exited his most recent start with elbow soreness."
While the Cubs might have been hopeful that Wilson would accept his designation, he instead opted for free agency and was snapped up by a familiar team now set on winning the National League Central.
"The Brewers are plenty familiar with Wilson, who appeared in 87 games for the organization from 2023-24,” Jared Greenspan noted for MLB.com. “Wilson's best season came with Milwaukee in '23, when he went 6-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 76 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.”
It was not immediately clear whether Wilson had received a major-league or minor-league deal or whether or not the Brewers view him as a potential starter, but the two sides certainly have some familiarity.
The move was just the latest change in what has been a whirlwind season for Wilson, who has bounced around between several National League pennant contenders.
After nine total seasons of major-league experience, his first big-league appearance this year began with the Philadelphia Phillies, after he started the season in their minor league system.
"He made one appearance, tossing two scoreless innings, but the Phillies quickly designated him for assignment,” according to Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors. “He was claimed off waivers by the Cubs and made two appearances for them, allowing seven earned runs in 7 2/3 innings."
That difficult stretch proved costly, as Chicago moved on almost immediately before Wilson elected free agency and found another opportunity.
The 28-year-old now returns to a club that already knows how to maximize his versatility. With injuries creating uncertainty in Milwaukee's pitching staff, Wilson could immediately compete for innings as either a swingman or bullpen option.