The Chicago Cubs are turning to the waiver wire to shore up a bullpen that has become a revolving door of injury and recovery. In a move designed to provide immediate depth, the Cubs have acquired right-hander Tyler Ferguson from the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations, according to official announcements from both clubs.
The transaction comes at a critical juncture for Chicago. Despite a dominant start to the season that has them tied for the best record in baseball at 26-12, the Cubs’ pitching staff is currently fighting a war of attrition. The acquisition of Ferguson is a calculated gamble on a veteran arm who has spent the last two years oscillating between the Major Leagues and Triple-A.
To make room for Ferguson on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated righty Corbin Martin for assignment. The move signals a shift in priority toward high-strikeout potential and versatility as the team navigates a month of unprecedented instability in the relief corps.
A High-Velocity Arsenal with a Modern Twist
Ferguson, 32, arrives in Chicago with a profile that fits the modern MLB mold: high velocity paired with a heavy reliance on horizontal movement. His primary offerings—a four-seam fastball and a sinker—consistently average around 95 mph, providing the raw power necessary to miss bats in high-leverage situations.
However, it is Ferguson’s secondary repertoire that likely attracted the Cubs’ scouting department. He utilizes a five-pitch mix, headlined by a sweeper that he throws nearly 30% of the time. The sweeper has become the gold standard for right-handed relievers in recent years and Ferguson’s ability to pair it with a cutter (11% usage) gives him multiple ways to neutralize right-handed hitters.
| Pitch Type | Usage Rate | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Seam/Sinker | ~60% | 95 mph average velocity |
| Sweeper | ~30% | Primary secondary offering |
| Cutter | ~11% | Tight horizontal break |
| Changeup | <4% | Occasional off-speed |
Navigating the ‘Up-and-Down’ Cycle
Ferguson’s tenure with the Athletics was defined by the “shuttle”—the constant movement between the large league club and Triple-A Las Vegas. Selected for the 40-man roster on May 7, 2024, he spent two years attempting to cement a permanent role in the Oakland bullpen. While he logged 110 2/3 innings in the majors with a 4.47 ERA, his peripheral numbers suggest a pitcher with higher upside than his earned run average indicates.
His 25.4% strikeout rate in the majors earned him trust in leverage situations, resulting in 22 career holds and four saves. The struggle has primarily been command; a 12.6% walk rate in the majors is slightly above league average, often turning manageable innings into high-stress outings.
His minor league track record provides a more optimistic outlook. Between 2024 and 2025, Ferguson posted a 2.82 ERA in the Pacific Coast League (PCL). For those familiar with the PCL, those numbers are particularly impressive given the league’s reputation as a hitter’s paradise due to high altitudes and dry air. In the minors, his walk rate dropped to a more reasonable 8.2%, while his strikeout rate climbed to 31.8%.
Managing the Bullpen Crisis
The Cubs’ decision to take a flyer on Ferguson is born of necessity. While the team’s 26-12 record suggests a well-oiled machine, the bullpen is currently operating on a skeleton crew. Within the last 30 days, Chicago has lost five key relievers to the injured list:
- Hunter Harvey
- Porter Hodge
- Riley Martin
- Ethan Roberts
- Caleb Thielbar
With so many arms sidelined, the Cubs cannot afford to be overly selective. Ferguson’s recent form in Triple-A—a 6.17 ERA over his first ten appearances this year—was the primary catalyst for the Athletics designating him for assignment. However, Chicago appears to be viewing those numbers as “small sample noise” rather than a fundamental decline in skill.
By acquiring Ferguson, the Cubs gain a veteran arm who can be moved flexibly. Because he is in his final option year, the Cubs have the ability to shuttle him between the majors and the minors one last time without needing to expose him to waivers again.
What’s Next for Ferguson
Ferguson has been assigned to Triple-A Iowa to begin his tenure in the organization. This allows the Cubs’ coaching staff to evaluate his current command and determine if the early-season struggles in the PCL have been corrected before promoting him to the big league club.
The timing of the move suggests that Chicago is preparing for a potential surge of returns from the IL, but they want a “safety valve” ready in Iowa should further injuries occur or should Ferguson find his rhythm quickly.
The next official checkpoint for Ferguson will be his first few outings with the I-Cubs, where the organization will monitor his walk rate and the effectiveness of his sweeper. Updates on his progress and potential promotion to the 40-man active roster will be available via the official MLB transactions log and the Cubs’ team reports.
Do you think Ferguson can stabilize the Cubs’ bullpen, or is this just a temporary fix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
