Cubs Sign Right-Hander Jake Woodford Amid Rotation Injuries

The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to a minor league contract to bolster pitching depth amid injuries to key starters like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Woodford, 28, who recently opted out of a deal with the Yankees, will start for Triple-A Iowa and brings experience as a versatile swingman with major league time from 2020 to 2024 with the Cardinals, White Sox, and Pirates. Though Woodford struggled in his most recent MLB stints, posting a 7.97 ERA in 2024, he has previously shown success with the Cardinals, including a solid 3.26 ERA in 116 innings during 2021-22. The Cubs view Woodford as a depth option who can eat innings either as a spot starter or long reliever, providing insurance in a long season where pitching flexibility is critical. While not expected to transform the Cubs' bullpen or rotation, Woodford's ability to fill multiple roles adds valuable depth to a staff currently stretched thin by injuries.