Cubs Sign World Series Champion Pitcher Kyle Wright: A Strategic Move for Their Rotation

Kyle Wright, a pitcher who played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, has signed with the Chicago Cubs on a minor league deal, with an invitation to join the major league team for the upcoming season. This move marks a significant shift for the Cubs, who are looking to enhance their pitching depth as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Kyle Wright’s Challenging Journey to Recovery

Kyle Wright’s career has been a journey of both highs and lows. After spending six seasons with the Atlanta Braves, contributing to their World Series championship in 2021, Wright was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he never made a major league appearance during his two seasons with the team.

In 2023, Wright underwent Tommy John surgery and took the year off to recover, hoping to return to the mound in 2025. Unfortunately, nagging hamstring and shoulder issues continued to plague him during his recovery, limiting his ability to perform at the highest level.

Despite these setbacks, Wright appeared in eight minor league games during the 2025 season. However, he was unable to break through to the major league roster, leaving many wondering whether he could ever return to his pre-injury form. Despite these challenges, the Cubs see potential in Wright and decided to take a chance on him, believing that his experience and talent could still be valuable to the team.

The Best of Wright: A Look Back at His Stellar 2022 Season

Before injuries derailed his career, Wright had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022. That year, he was given a full opportunity to prove himself as a starting pitcher, and he did not disappoint. Wright finished the season with an outstanding 21-5 record and a 3.19 ERA over 180.1 innings. Along with a 1.159 WHIP and 174 strikeouts, Wright showcased his elite pitching ability.

His performance that season earned him a 3.7 bWAR and a top-10 finish in the Cy Young voting. Wright’s breakout year raised expectations for him, and many saw him as a pitcher with the potential to be among the best in the league. Unfortunately, injuries followed, and Wright has not been able to return to those levels since. At 30 years old, there are now questions about whether he can ever reach that elite form again.

Wright’s Role with the Cubs: A Fresh Start

Now with the Chicago Cubs, Wright has the chance to revitalize his career. The Cubs are in a strong position with a solid pitching staff heading into the 2026 season, but they are hoping Wright can return to his peak form and contribute to their playoff push. His role with the team, however, might not be clear right away.

Wright has experience as both a starting pitcher and a bullpen arm, and with the Cubs’ pitching depth, he will likely begin the season as a swingman. This means he could be used in a variety of roles, including long relief or as a spot starter, as the Cubs evaluate his health and performance.

The Cubs’ Pitching Depth and Wright’s Role

Heading into Spring Training, the Cubs’ pitching staff is already considered one of their strengths. Jameson Taillon, a key pitcher for the Cubs, expressed his excitement about the team’s pitching depth and competition for spots on the roster.

“It’s exciting,” Taillon said. “Obviously, Spring Training is always symbolic of the beginning of the journey together. It’s a good time to get to know each other and bond, and set the standards and expectations for the year. It’s also just fun to be around a baseball field again. There’s a lot of depth. There’s probably eight or nine guys that you should feel good about starting a big league game for us. I think, for us, the goal is to have eight or nine guys you feel comfortable pitching in the playoffs and starting in the playoffs.”

This statement reflects the strong competition Wright will face for a spot in the Cubs’ starting rotation. However, his experience and potential for a comeback could make him a valuable addition to the bullpen or as a swingman. The Cubs are confident in their pitching depth, but Wright’s inclusion could add a critical element to their rotation or bullpen, depending on his progress.

Wright’s Versatility: A Valuable Asset

Even if Wright does not make the starting rotation, his versatility will be a major asset for the Cubs. Having experience in both roles, he could be used as a long reliever, allowing the Cubs to manage their pitching staff more effectively throughout the season.

Wright’s ability to pitch in various situations could be a crucial factor for the Cubs, especially during times when starters need rest or when the team is looking for reliable arms to handle high-leverage situations. His presence in the bullpen would give manager David Ross more flexibility and depth, which could prove essential over the course of a long season.

The Big Question: Can Wright Return to His 2022 Form?

Despite the optimism surrounding Wright’s signing, there are significant concerns about his ability to stay healthy and regain the form that made him a Cy Young candidate in 2022. The injuries that have plagued him over the past few seasons have left doubts about his durability, and at 30 years old, Wright is no longer the young prospect he once was.

If Wright can stay healthy and regain the dominant form he showcased in 2022, he could once again be a key contributor to the Cubs. However, if his injuries continue to limit his performance, the Cubs may have to rethink their decision. Wright has a lot to prove, and his comeback will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the Cubs head into Spring Training.

A Risk Worth Taking?

For the Cubs, signing Kyle Wright is a calculated risk with the potential for high rewards. If Wright can return to his 2022 form, he could be a vital piece of the Cubs’ rotation, adding depth and experience to an already strong pitching staff. However, if the injuries continue to hinder his performance, the Cubs will need to make adjustments.

Ultimately, Wright’s signing is a story of redemption. It’s his chance to prove he can still be one of the top pitchers in the game. For the Cubs, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off if everything falls into place.

As Spring Training approaches, all eyes will be on Kyle Wright to see if he can reclaim his spot among baseball’s elite pitchers. Whether as a starter, reliever, or swingman, Wright has the potential to play a pivotal role for the Cubs in 2026. The question is: Can he stay healthy and live up to the promise he once showed? Only time will tell.