CHICAGO, December 27, 2025 — The Chicago Cubs are bolstering their pitching staff, agreeing to a contract with reliever Hunter Harvey, according to reports. This move comes as the Cubs also navigate interest in Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who is drawing attention from the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.
Cubs Add Depth to Bullpen with Harvey Deal
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The Cubs are reinforcing a strong bullpen, even while pursuing top international talent.
- Hunter Harvey’s contract is pending a physical examination.
- Harvey pitched only 16 1/3 innings for the Kansas City Royals since July 2024 due to injuries.
- Despite injury setbacks, Harvey allowed zero runs and recorded 11 strikeouts in his limited 2024 appearances.
- The Cubs bullpen ranked third in the National League in ERA from August through the end of the 2025 season.
The agreement with Harvey, first reported by Will Sammon and Sahadev Sharma, is contingent upon a successful physical. The 2025 season presented challenges for Harvey, who battled multiple injuries.
Harvey appeared in just 12 games for the Royals, hampered by a teres major strain and a Grade 2 adductor strain. Back issues dating back to 2024 further limited his availability, resulting in only 16 1/3 innings pitched since July 2024.
Harvey’s Potential When Healthy
Despite the injury concerns, Harvey showcased impressive performance when on the mound. He didn’t allow a single run and issued only one walk while striking out 11 batters last season. If he passes his physical, he could quickly become a valuable asset in the Cubs’ bullpen.
Known for his powerful pitching style and effective mix of offspeed pitches, Harvey’s fastball could pose a significant challenge to opposing hitters. His addition would be a welcome boost to a Cubs bullpen already demonstrating strength.
see also
Tatsuya Imai’s ideal MLB fit comes into focus amid Cubs, Phillies, and NY Mets interest
Already a Strong Cubs Bullpen
The Cubs’ bullpen experienced a significant turnaround after a challenging start to the 2025 season, evolving into one of the league’s most reliable units from Spring through Summer. They finished third in the National League in ERA from August until the season’s end. As the Cubs continue to pursue Tatsuya Imai, competing with the Mets and Phillies, their bullpen appears to be well-positioned for success.
Daniel Palencia emerged as a standout reliever, while the cost-effective additions of Phil Maton and Hoby Milner provided valuable depth. Adding Hunter Harvey to this mix further solidifies the Cubs’ bullpen as one of the deepest and most effective in baseball.
