In November, the Houston Astros made a quiet but notable roster decision when they placed World Series champion Chas McCormick on waivers, signaling a turning point in the outfielder’s professional journey.

At the time, the move drew limited attention around Major League Baseball, as McCormick had struggled to recapture the form that once made him a postseason hero during Houston’s championship run just two years earlier.

Two months later, McCormick’s future became clearer when he agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to a report from Fox Sports MLB, giving him another opportunity to revive his career.

The deal represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for Chicago, while offering McCormick a fresh start in a new organization eager to add experienced depth to its outfield ahead of the upcoming season.

McCormick was an important part of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team, contributing timely offense and elite defensive plays during one of the most memorable playoff runs in franchise history.

However, his role diminished significantly during the 2024 season, as he appeared in only 64 games and struggled offensively, finishing with a .210 batting average, five RBIs, and just 21 total hits.

Those numbers stood in sharp contrast to the promise he once showed, particularly during Houston’s deep postseason pushes, where he had built a reputation as a reliable contributor in high-pressure situations.

McCormick’s path to the majors was never straightforward, which makes his previous success all the more remarkable when viewed through the lens of his unconventional development.

Originally selected by the Astros in the 21st round of the 2017 MLB Draft, McCormick entered professional baseball without the expectations typically placed on early-round prospects.

For several years, he quietly worked his way through the minor leagues, relying on discipline, defensive versatility, and incremental offensive improvements to earn opportunities within Houston’s system.

That perseverance paid off in dramatic fashion during the 2022 postseason, the stretch that ultimately defined McCormick’s reputation across the league.

In Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, McCormick delivered his first career postseason home run off pitcher Clarke Schmidt, instantly etching his name into October lore.

The moment was significant not only because of the stage, but because it showcased McCormick’s ability to rise above expectations when the stakes were at their highest.

He followed that performance with an even bigger swing in Game 3, launching a go-ahead two-run home run off ace Gerrit Cole, a blow that shifted momentum firmly in Houston’s favor.

That series ended in a sweep of New York, further cementing McCormick’s status as one of the Astros’ most unexpected postseason contributors.

His impact extended beyond the ALCS, as McCormick continued to deliver game-changing moments during the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

In Game 5, with Houston clinging to a narrow 3–2 lead, McCormick made a spectacular running catch in the outfield to rob J.T. Realmuto of a potential extra-base hit.

The defensive gem preserved the Astros’ advantage in a crucial moment, underscoring McCormick’s value as more than just a bat in the lineup.

Houston went on to win that game and close out the series in the following contest, securing its second World Series title in five years and further elevating McCormick’s postseason résumé.

Despite those heroics, professional sports often move quickly, and McCormick’s subsequent struggles at the plate gradually pushed him out of Houston’s long-term plans.

Roster competition, injuries, and shifting organizational priorities ultimately led to his placement on waivers, closing an important chapter of his career.

For the Cubs, McCormick arrives at a pivotal time, as the organization continues to build on the momentum of its most successful season in several years.

Chicago reached the postseason for the first time since 2020, advancing all the way to the National League Division Series after defeating the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card round.

Although their playoff run ended with a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the season marked a significant step forward in the Cubs’ rebuilding process.

Entering the offseason, Chicago faced a major roster challenge following the departure of star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving a noticeable void in both production and leadership.

McCormick’s addition does not immediately replace Tucker’s impact, but it provides experienced depth and postseason-tested composure within a roster still blending youth and veteran presence.

At 29 years old, McCormick is preparing to enter his fifth MLB season, a stage where consistency and adaptability often determine a player’s long-term future in the league.

With the Cubs, he will report to MLB training camp, where competition for roster spots is expected to be intense across multiple positions.

For McCormick, the opportunity represents more than a simple change of scenery; it is a chance to redefine his role and prove that his postseason success was no fluke.

The Cubs’ coaching staff is expected to evaluate his defensive versatility, clubhouse presence, and potential platoon value as spring training unfolds.

If he can rediscover even a portion of the form that made him a postseason difference-maker in 2022, McCormick could quietly become one of Chicago’s most valuable under-the-radar acquisitions.

As the season approaches, his journey from waiver wire uncertainty to a renewed opportunity in Chicago serves as another reminder of baseball’s unpredictable and unforgiving nature.

For Chas McCormick, the road north offers not just a new uniform, but a chance at redemption in a league that never stops testing its players.