en-us SportSpyder - The Latest Chicago Cubs News https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/news The Cubs have agreed to a Minor League deal with three-time All-Star and two-time AL Reliever of the Year Liam Hendriks, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Wednesday. The club has not confirmed the deal. The 37-year-old Hendriks, who was released by the Twins ahead of Opening Day after Wed, 13 May 2026 17:56:21 GMT Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608498 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608498 false false The Braves honor Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox and former owner Ted Turner before their game against the Cubs on May 12, 2026.Don't forget to subscribe! htt... Wed, 13 May 2026 17:55:08 GMT MLB https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608482 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608482 false false The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed veteran reliever Liam Hendriks as they look to bolster their injury-hammered pitching staff. According to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, the Cubs signed Hendriks to a minor league contract, giving them another option as they try to work through several significant injuries. Hendriks appeared in 14 games for the Boston Red Sox last season, posting a 6.59 ERA and an 0-2 record. He struck out 12 batters and walked seven in 13.2 innings of work for Boston. Hendriks had back-to-back strong seasons with the White Sox in 2021 and 2022, with a total of 75 saves and a record of 12-7 in those campaigns. He was named an American League All-Star in both seasons, and finished eighth in Cy Young voting during the 2021 season with the Sox. In 2023, Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, undergoing treatment and returning to the White Sox bullpen in May. He made five appearances for the White Sox before being placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation, and he underwent Tommy John surgery later that summer. He signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox after that season, and his contract option was declined after the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. He has 116 career saves in 218 appearances across parts of 14 seasons. Hendriks had spent spring training with the Minnesota Twins before being released just before Opening Day. The Cubs have had to deal with a slew of injuries in their starting rotation and their bullpen, which has required them to move Ben Brown back into a starting role and to scramble to find arms to replace players like Caleb Thielbar, among others. The signing has not yet been confirmed by the Cubs, and it’s unclear where Hendriks will be assigned within the team’s system. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. to open the story in your web browser. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:48:49 GMT James Neveau https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608417 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608417 false false The Chicago Cubs have been hit hard by the injury bug, especially in terms of the pitching depth. Now, the Cubs are adding a three-time All-Star to a minor league deal. Reliever Liam Hendriks and the Cubs agreed to terms on Wednesday, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic. The Chicago Cubs have signed RHP … The post appeared first on . Wed, 13 May 2026 17:42:12 GMT Matt Wadleigh https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608335 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608335 false false The Chicago Cubs have signed former super-duper-elite closer Liam Hendriks to a minor league deal, . The odds that this becomes an impactful move are remote, BUT it’s definitely a fun signing. The Cubs have actually had interest in Liam Hendriks over the years (and he was even briefly a Cub during the offseason back in 2013/14!), so they’ve pretty clearly always wanted to work with him. The version they’re getting to work with, however, is probably someone you’re hoping (1) can contribute some middle innings if everything goes absolutely perfectly, and (2) is a great leader and mentor for some young pitchers. Liam Hendriks, now 37, broke out as a reliever with the Blue Jays back in 2015, and then emerged as a super-duper-elite closer back in 2019 with the A’s, when he was 30 years old. He ranged from very good to elite through the 2022 season (including several years with the White Sox, so he’s familiar with Chicago), but unfortunately faced a cancer diagnosis thereafter. He received treatment and recovered, only to have his elbow pop shortly after his return. Freaking cruel stuff. From there, Hendriks rehabbed and wound up signing a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, which would allow him to rehab in 2024, and then return to the mound with the Red Sox in 2025. He did return, but after a mostly underwhelming five-week run, the Red Sox put him on the IL with a hip injury, and then he later had a nerve issue in his elbow that required surgery and ended his season. And then from there, Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins, his original organization, but was sent back out into free agency when he didn’t make the Opening Day roster. He has presumably been weighing his options since then, and, hey, if you’re going to land anywhere for an attempt at a comeback, there’s probably no better place than with the 2026 Chicago Cubs. They’re not only quite adept at finding ways to succeed in these situations, but they also (1) have significant needs and opportunities in the bullpen group, and (2) have a great defense to play behind you if you can find a way to get back to playable. It must be said also that Liam Hendriks is widely regarded as an exceptional clubhouse guy. There’s value there not only with the minor league club as he tries to work his way back, but also then in your big league bullpen if he makes it. We have seen over the years the value players can provide to each other throughout the season – in performance and in development – and Hendriks is one of those guys you’re thrilled to have around. But, as I said, the playability still has to be there. I have absolutely no real way of opining on whether Liam Hendriks can still be a quality big league reliever at this stage of his career, after multiple arm procedures, a hip injury, and beating cancer. I am really excited to see him try with the Cubs, though. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:36:04 GMT Brett Taylor https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608242 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608242 false false Chicago is adding a veteran arm. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:29:50 GMT Conor Liguori https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608152 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608152 false false The Atlanta Braves took the opening game of a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs in a battle between two of the top teams in the league. The Braves have no Wed, 13 May 2026 17:19:42 GMT Ryan Gilbert https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608028 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56608028 false false The Chicago Cubs continue to collect arms, hoping to hit on a couple to survive a plethora of injuries in 2026. The latest project for the coaching staff is veteran reliever and former All-Star closer Liam Hendriks. The 37-year-old was with the Minnesota Twins in spring training after signing a minor league deal with them […] Wed, 13 May 2026 17:15:26 GMT Aldo Soto https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607970 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607970 false false The Chicago Cubs are turning over every stone as they look for depth to stabilize a pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries. Those efforts have led t Wed, 13 May 2026 17:05:50 GMT Jordan Campbell https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607840 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607840 false false The Cubs and right-hander Liam Hendriks are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic. The ALIGND Sports client was in camp with the Twins during spring training but was granted his release when informed he wouldn’t make the roster. He’s been a free agent since. More to come. Wed, 13 May 2026 16:49:44 GMT Steve Adams https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607661 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607661 false false There are plenty of great games set to take place for tonight's MLB action, including a marquee showdown between two of the best teams in baseball, the Chicago Wed, 13 May 2026 16:42:05 GMT Iain MacMillan https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607580 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607580 false false When the Chicago Cubs traded Craig Kimbrel to the Chicago White Sox in 2021, a key piece of that deal was relief pitcher Codi Heuer. The Cubs also got Nick Madr Wed, 13 May 2026 16:28:13 GMT Jordan Campbell https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607381 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607381 false false The Cubs’ minor league squads all began their series on Tuesday with a mixed bag of results. Iowa and Myrtle Beach both dropped their openers, while Knoxville and South Bend broke out at the plate for big wins. Let’s get to the action. Image via MiLB Cubs Prospects Report | May 13, 2026 Triple-A Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs got out to an early lead in their series opener with the Nashville Sounds (Brewers), but that was about all that went right for them on Tuesday. After reaching on a walk in the top of the first, Pedro Ramirez was moved to second on a BJ Murray single, then stole third base. With two outs and Jonathan Long at the plate, a passed ball allowed Ramirez to take home and give Iowa the 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the second, though, Nashville would tie it with a run of its own. Then they’d score two in both the third and fourth innings off Paul Campbell. Ryan Jensen relieved Campbell, and he wasn’t any better. Jensen allowed four runs in just 1.1 innings of work. All of a sudden, the 1-0 lead became a 9-2 deficit, with Iowa’s second run coming on a James Triantos sac fly. In the seventh, the Cubs added one more run on a throwing error after a Justin Dean single, , but this one ended 9-3 in favor of Nashville. Notable Performances BJ Murray | 3-3, R James Triantos | 1-3, RBI Pedro Ramirez| 0-3, R, BB, SB FINAL: Sounds 9, Cubs 3 | Double-A Knoxville Smokies Knoxville got off to a fast start in game one of their week-long set with the Columbus Clingstones (Braves), and they finished with a bang as well. The Smokies started out the game scoring a run in the first, second, and third innings. In the first, a Karson Simas leadoff homer made it 1-0. After Columbus tied it in the bottom of the first, Alex Ramírez gave the Smokies the lead right back with a solo homer of his own. Then, in the third, it was Ramírez again, this time with a sac fly, getting Knoxville across the plate. Columbus added a run in the bottom of the third, making it 3-2, and the game remained that way all the way until the eighth. In the top of the eighth, Andy Garriola belted the Smokies’ third solo home run of the night, increasing the lead to 4-2. With the score the same in the ninth, Knoxville broke the game open with a four-run effort. First, Ramírez drove in two more on a two-run single. Then, when Ramírez stole second, Jordan Nwogu took home to make it 7-2. Lastly, Edgar Alvarez put an exclamation point on the win with an RBI double. Notable Performances Alex Ramírez | 2-4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, SB Andy Garriola | 2-5, HR, 2B Karson Simas | 1-4, HR, 2 R FINAL: Smokies 8, Clingstones 2 | High-A South Bend Cubs The South Bend Cubs jumped on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers) from the start in this one and never looked back. Cole Mathis started the scoring with an RBI double in the first. Then, with the score tied 1-1, came up with the big blast – a three-run homer – to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. The score remained 4-1 until the seventh, largely due to some very solid pitching from Koen Moreno and Grayson Moore. In the seventh, South Bend broke the game open with a six-run frame. Cam Sisernos added two more runs to the lead with an RBI single, which put the score at 6-1. From there, the Cubs scored four runs, with none of them actually coming on a hit. Kade Snell drew a bases-loaded walk. Matt Halbach brought in a run on a groundout. Leonel Espinoza reached on an error. Then Christian Olivo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Just like that, it was 10-1. Ben Johnson and Nate Williams shut the door the rest of the way with a drama-free final three innings, and the Cubs took this one 10-1. Notable Performances Kane Kepley | 2-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, SB Cole Mathis | 3-5, R, RBI, 2 2B Koen Moreno | 4.0 IP, 0 H, R, 6 K, 3 BB FINAL: Cubs 10, Timber Rattlers 1 | Krushed by Kane. 💥 The first home run in High-A for Kane Kepley, and it's worth three! — South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) Sisneros stretches out the lead! — South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans The Pelicans let a lead slip away and dropped their series opener with the Augusta Green Jackets (Braves) on Tuesday. Myrtle Beach jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to RBI singles from Michael Carico and Jose Escobar in the bottom of the first. Then, after Augusta got one back in the second, Alexey Lumpuy added on with an RBI single of his own, making it 3-1 Pelicans. Unfortunately, that’s where the scoring ended for Myrtle Beach in this one. In the fifth, the Green Jackets cut the Pelicans’ lead to just 3-2. In the seventh, they’d go on to tie it. Then, in the ninth, they’d take the lead 4-3. Oddly enough, Tate Southisene (Ty’s brother) came up with the clutch hits to tie, then take the lead in the seventh and ninth. In the ninth, Joisah Hartshorn drew a walk – one of four free passes for him on the day – but he was the only Pelican to reach base. Hartshorn got on base in all five of his plate appearances on Tuesday, drawing those four walks and adding on a single, as ... Wed, 13 May 2026 16:18:45 GMT Matt Rooney https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607246 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607246 false false Pete Crow-Armstrong already has a very accomplished resume. A 30-30 season, an All-Star starter, a Gold Glove in center field. But the 24-year-old is always looking for ways to improve and adapt. That includes listening to advice from athletes in other sports, too. Bears star quarterback Caleb Williams has been a source of guidance for Crow-Armstrong, as Marquee Sports Network’s Elise Menaker detailed in . Crow-Armstrong told Menaker he has adjusted his workout regimen, lifting two or three times a week this season compared to just once a week last year. That — combined with a slight change in diet (he’s now eating breakfast, he said) — has increased his weight to around 193 compared to playing last year in the 180s, he told Menaker. Williams has been the impetus behind Crow-Armstrong’s adjustments with weight training and recovery. The two have formed over the last year as they have taken the Chicago sports world by storm. Jan 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, left, and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are seen during the first half of the game between the Chicago Bulls and the LA Clippers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images The differences in Crow-Armstrong’s routine have paid off, too. He told Menaker he feels stronger and faster this year — and the numbers back him up. Crow-Armstrong was already one of the best defenders in the game last year, but he has in 2026. His already-elite jumps are even better. And he’s seen a , up to 74.3 mph this season compared to 72.7 mph last year. Crow-Armstrong’s bat speed , ahead of superstar sluggers like Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso and Bryce Harper. His average exit velocity is up this year as a result: 91.8 mph compared to 89.5 mph last year. It hasn’t fully translated on the back of his baseball card, though Crow-Armstrong has performed better of late. Over the last month (26 games), he has posted a .267/.353/.456 slash line (.808 OPS) with 9 extra-base hits (including 3 homers), 12 RBI, and 5 stolen bases. Entering play Wednesday, Crow-Armstrong is tied for 3rd among MLB center fielders in fWAR (1.5). He looks to be well on his way to another Gold Glove, and the increase in bat speed and exit velocity could lead to more offensive production in time. Wed, 13 May 2026 16:18:41 GMT Tony Andracki https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607244 https://sportspyder.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/articles/56607244 false false