Cubs Quickly Acquire 5-Year Veteran Cast Off By League Leader

BusinessSportsMoneyCubs Quickly Acquire 5-Year Veteran Cast Off By League LeaderByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 11, 2026, 07:00am EDTCHICAGO, IL - MARCH 27: Jed Hoyer of the Chicago Cubs addresses the media after signing Pete Crow-Armstrong to a contract extension at Wrigley Field on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAfter a scorching start to the season, the Chicago Cubs have cooled off but remain in the National League playoff picture as they navigate some pitching injuries.Most recently, that meant the loss of veteran starter Jameson Taillon to a hamstring ailment. And as the team considers more significant transactions ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, it quickly snapped up a veteran righty who was cut by the American League leader.“(Andrew) Wantz signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday,” CBS Sports reported this week. “Wantz will report to Triple-A Iowa with his new organization.”Wantz elected free agency from the American League leading Tampa Bay Rays just a few days before joining the Cubs organization.ForbesCardinals’ 4-Year Veteran Cuts Ties With Division Rival After Short StintBy Peter ChawagaChicago Cubs’ New Pitcher Brings Extensive Injury History After Tampa Bay Rays ExitWantz's recent journey through professional baseball has been anything but straightforward. “The reason Andrew Wantz is available on a minor league deal here in June of 2026 is what happened after 2023,” Brett Taylor wrote for Bleacher Nation. “Wantz struggled out of the gate in 2024, ultimately hurt his elbow and had surgery, and was let go after the season. The Rays scooped him up on a two-year minor league deal back in January of 2025 (one of those rehab him and then see what happens deals).”MORE FOR YOUHis departure from the Rays organization bec...