Chicago Cubs

Justin Steele

SP

The left-hander has been throwing bullpen sessions with limited parameters since mid-January, but he's now been cleared to incorporate his full repertoire. Steele is aiming to return to the big-league rotation in May or June. He'll need a build up his throwing program significantly before embarking on a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment prior to being activated from the injured list.

Jonathon Long

1B

Long has been dealing with a left elbow sprain and has been on the mend over the past week. His original plan was to simply delay his departure for the WBC, but now the 24-year-old has opted out of playing entirely. While it's a disappointing development for Long, the decision makes sense in terms of getting fully healthy for the regular season. The youngster figures to start the year with Triple-A Iowa, where he'll look to build on the 20 home runs and .885 OPS he posted across 140 games at the same level in 2025.

Jordan Wicks

RP

Wicks' long-relief performance ensured the Cubs' bullpen would be well-rested heading into the wild-card round. Wicks has kept runs off the board in three of his last four outings dating back to Aug. 26, though his struggles in limited action earlier in the year led to him finishing the regular season with a 6.28 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB over 14.1 innings across eight relief appearances. It's unclear if he'll earn a spot on the Cubs' wild-card roster.

Tyler Austin

1B

Since taking his last MLB at-bat in 2019, Austin has spent the past six seasons playing in Japan for the Yokohama Bay Stars of Nippon Professional Baseball. After posting a .945 OPS during his time overseas, the 34-year-old will now return stateside to join the Cubs and work as a platoon partner with Michael Busch at first base.

Trent Thornton

RP

It's not clear whether it's a major- or minor-league contract, but Thornton has landed a deal after throwing for teams in a "Pro Day" at Tread Athletics training facility. Thornton had surgery in August to repair a torn left Achilles tendon but has a chance to be ready in time for Opening Day. The right-handed reliever posted a 4.68 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 32:14 K:BB over 42.1 innings for the Mariners in 2025 before getting hurt.

Brandon Birdsell

RP

The exact procedure and recovery timeline have yet to be revealed, but Birdsell's surgery will officially put an early end to his season. A shoulder/lat injury also caused him to begin the year late, but he managed to register a 3.38 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 18.2 innings over four Triple-A starts when healthy.