The Chicago Cubs appear well-positioned for a postseason run, but injuries to their pitching staff have created a pressing need for reinforcements.
Most recently, right-hander Jameson Taillon has been sidelined for over a month. In response, the Cubs signed former Twins pitcher Ryan Jensen to a minor league contract, according to Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors.
Jensen, originally drafted by Chicago in 2019, struggled with control throughout his initial stint in the minors, throwing 150 1/3 innings between 2019 and 2022. Despite those issues, the Cubs added him to their 40-man roster in November 2022. However, control problems persisted, leading to his eventual release. He was later picked up by the Mariners and then the Twins, who also waived him in February due to similar struggles.
Since 2023, Jensen has logged 149 2/3 minor league innings with a 5.35 ERA, a high 27.8% strikeout rate, and a concerning 18.3% walk rate. Still, the Cubs see value in his upside.
Back with Triple-A Iowa, Jensen is showing promising signs of development. Over 27 2/3 innings, he has posted a 2.60 ERA, an impressive 34% strikeout rate, and a much-improved 5.7% walk rate—indicating clear progress.
During his earlier professional years, particularly between 2021 and 2022, Jensen displayed flashes of potential, recording a 3.85 ERA over 112 1/3 innings, with a 27.8% strikeout rate and 7.3% walk rate.
With the Cubs leading the NL Central at 53–35 and holding a four-game edge over the Cardinals, the team is navigating a critical stretch. The pitching staff is under strain—Justin Steele is out for the season with an elbow injury, and Javier Assad is on the 60-day IL with an oblique strain. The bullpen has also been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency.
Jensen’s return adds a healthy, high-upside arm to the mix—potentially giving Chicago just what it needs to stay strong down the stretch.