The Chicago Cubs have added two undrafted relief pitchers to their system: Jackson Kirkpatrick and Ethan Bell (via Bleacher Nation). Kirkpatrick, a 6-foot-7 right-hander who played at Western Carolina University and the University of Indianapolis, has been assigned to the Cubs’ rookie-level affiliate in the Arizona Complex League. Despite struggling in college with a 1-3 record, a 10.23 ERA, a 2.432 WHIP, and 14.3 walks per nine innings, he possesses notable potential. His fastball sits in the mid-to-high 90s, has 17.5 inches of vertical break, and has even reached triple digits. With a 15.8 K/9 rate, he has clear strikeout ability but needs to refine his command. After training at Tread Athletics—where notable MLB pitchers like Cole Ragans, Mitch Keller, and Tanner Scott have also developed—Kirkpatrick joins the Cubs as a promising project.
Bell, a 6-foot-1 right-hander from St. Louis University, posted a 7-4 record with a 4.76 ERA and an impressive 11.8 K/9 between 2023 and 2024. Like Kirkpatrick, he will begin his pro career in the ACL. While his fastball doesn’t reach the upper 90s, he features a unique gyro slider that adds intrigue to his arsenal.
Both signings are low-risk moves with upside. While neither pitcher is expected to be a major contributor at the MLB level, taking a chance on a pair of 23-year-old arms reflects the Cubs’ willingness to explore unconventional ways of acquiring talent.