CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs organization is facing a substantial shift in its minor league ranks as 26 players who finished the 2025 season with the club have officially reached minor league free agency. This annual, yet noteworthy, exodus is part of the normal cycle in Major League Baseball, allowing players who have completed their six-year tenure with the organization to seek new opportunities.
The move comes as the Cubs’ front office focuses on replenishing and strengthening its talent pipeline.
“We’ll always look to bring in the best talent, and while these players served us well, it’s time for fresh faces and new opportunities. The system must continue to grow, and we’re committed to strengthening it,” said Jed Hoyer, Cubs President of Baseball Operations.
Notable Departures Heading to Free Agency
The list includes a mix of established veterans and players with recent MLB experience who could be appealing to other clubs looking for depth:
Category
Notable Players (and Position)
Free Agency Appeal
MLB Experience/Relievers
Zach Pop (RHP), Joe Ross (RHP), Austin Gomber (LHP), Tom Cosgrove (LHP), Yency Almonte (RHP)
Could bolster major league bullpens and depth rotations immediately.
Lopez, in particular, offers strong defense and recent MLB time.
Speed/Outfield
Billy Hamilton (OF), Forrest Wall (OF), Jaylen Palmer (OF)
Hamilton is one of the fastest players in baseball and will likely secure a minor league deal with an invite to a major league camp.
Catchers
Pablo Aliendo (C), Carlos Perez (C), Ethan Hearn (C)
Important organizational depth is now available to other teams.
Hoyer’s Strategy: A Commitment to Growth
While the Cubs will certainly monitor the market and could attempt to re-sign a few of these players, the large-scale turnover aligns with the organization’s current philosophy:
Clearing Space: The departures free up roster spots for the next wave of prospects moving up the system.
External Replenishment: The flexibility allows the Cubs to target new talent in minor league free agency, which is particularly competitive this year, to fill specific needs at the Triple-A and Double-A levels.
The focus remains on internal development (like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Owen Caissie) complemented by strategic acquisitions, keeping the team’s pipeline strong as they look to maintain contention following the likely departure of Kyle Tucker.
The Cubs are losing several pitchers with recent MLB experience (Gomber, Ross, Pop). Since the front office is looking to strengthen the system, what are the Cubs’ most pressing organizational needs in terms of minor league pitching depth to replace these outgoing arms?
