The Chicago Cubs have kicked off their 2026 offseason with an unconventional move that has MLB insiders and fans buzzing: the signing of young, high-velocity pitcher Sam Mettert to a minor-league deal. While seemingly quiet, the acquisition is being interpreted as a “manifesto”—a sign that the Cubs are preparing for a “quiet revolution” in how they approach pitching development.
The Main Character: Sam Mettert
Sam Mettert (the main character in this unexpected acquisition) is not a household name, but he possesses the one trait the Cubs have openly targeted: elite velocity.
- Who He Is: A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who went undrafted in the 2025 MLB Draft after finishing his college career at St. John’s University.
- The Velocity: He reportedly throws his fastball up to 98 MPH, a major selling point that caught the attention of Cubs President Jed Hoyer’s front office.
- The Risk/Reward: Mettert struggled with command in college, posting a high walk rate (over 13% in two years) and seeing his ERA rise in 2025. However, his high strikeout rate in 2024 and his raw, high-velocity stuff make him a “rough gem”—a low-cost lottery ticket for the organization’s pitching lab.
The Manifesto: A Shift in Pitching Philosophy
The signing of an undrafted, high-velocity pitcher who needs significant mechanical refinement is a significant signal for the Cubs, who have historically focused on contact and command over raw power:
- Addressing the Need: Hoyer explicitly stated at the GM Meetings that the team’s top priority is pitching depth, and they would look for arms “at every level,” including minor-league free agency. This signing demonstrates Hoyer is a man of his word.
- The “Quiet Revolution”: By targeting a player with elite velocity but poor command, the Cubs are signaling a potential shift in philosophy toward prioritizing “stuff” and attempting to fix the mechanics and command later within their own development infrastructure (like using data-driven facilities such as Tread Athletics, where Mettert has worked out).
- Stockpiling Power: The Cubs’ bullpen has been criticized for lacking high-octane arms. While Mettert is years away from the Majors, this acquisition shows a commitment to stockpiling pitchers who throw hard and allowing their system to unlock their potential, rather than paying a premium for them on the free-agent market.
While Mettert is unlikely to impact the Major League roster for a few years, the nature of his acquisition—low cost, high risk, high velocity—is the first concrete example of a new, aggressive approach to pitching talent identification in Chicago.
The Cubs are also expected to be major players for top-tier pitching talent this offseason. Would you like to check the latest buzz regarding a potential reunion with free-agent starter Shōta Imanaga?
