Brown will undergo a scan on his neck in mid-November, with the hope that he will be cleared to throw without restrictions this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Brown didn't pitch after early June this season due to a benign area of concern in his neck. The Cubs seem optimistic that he will head into spring training healthy, but they won't know for sure until the results of the exam are in. Brown split time between the rotation and bullpen with the Cubs in 2024, holding a 3.58 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 55.1 innings. If healthy, he would likely compete for a spot in the rotation in 2025.
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Brown will undergo a scan on his neck in mid-November, with the hope that he will be cleared to throw without restrictions this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Brown didn't pitch after early June this season due to a benign area of concern in his neck. The Cubs seem optimistic that he will head into spring training healthy, but they won't know for sure until the results of the exam are in. Brown split time between the rotation and bullpen with the Cubs in 2024, holding a 3.58 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 55.1 innings. If healthy, he would likely compete for a spot in the rotation in 2025.
The Cubs designated Herget for assignment Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Rob Zastryzny, who was claimed off waivers. Herget himself was a waiver claim of the Cubs but never made an appearance for them.
The Cubs claimed Zastryzny (elbow) off waivers from the Brewers on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. It's a return to his original organization for Zastryzny, who was drafted by the Cubs and spent his first three major-league seasons in Chicago. The lefty reliever ended the season on the injured list with elbow tendinitis but looks to be healthy headed into the offseason.
Bellinger exercised his $27.5 million player option for 2025 on Saturday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports. Bellinger was unlikely to receive an offer close to $27.5 million in the open market after posting a .751 OPS alongside 78 RBI across 569 plate appearances in 2024, so it's unsurprising to see him decide to stick around in Chicago. The 29-year-old figures to remain in an everyday role in the Cubs' outfield next season.
Hoerner underwent surgery Oct. 11 to repair his right flexor tendon, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. It's not clear when Hoerner suffered the injury, nor did the Cubs offer a timetable for his recovery. The second baseman should be ready to roll come Opening Day, although it's possible he'll be eased into things in spring training. Hoerner slashed .273/.335/.373 with seven home runs and 31 stolen bases over 151 games for the Cubs in 2024.
The Cubs transferred Merryweather (knee) to the 60-day injured list Sunday. The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster. Merryweather underwent right knee surgery earlier this month to address tendinitis.
Busch went 0-for-1 with four walks during Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Reds in 10 innings. Busch didn't generate a hit in the final series of the regular season. going 0-for-7 across the three-game set against Cincinnati. However, he did walk four times in Sunday's regular-season finale. It was just his sixth game with multiple walks this season and set a career high in the category. The 26-year-old finishes 2024 with a .248/.335/.440 slash line, 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 73 runs scored.
Hoerner went 1-for-5 with a stolen base in Sunday's 3-0, 10-inning loss to the Reds. Hoerner had a mostly pedestrian stat line but managed to salvage things a bit in the season finale with his 31st stolen base. Over the last two years, the infielder now has a total of 74 steals. Heading into 2025, Hoerner's greatest fantasy asset remains his speed, as he only has 29 career home runs across six seasons in the majors.
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