Cubs sign RHP Hunter Harvey to one-year deal

The Chicago Cubs are betting on upside and electricity out of the bullpen. They just inked free-agent reliever Hunter Harvey to a one-year deal that could shake up the late innings at Wrigley Field.

Harvey comes off an injury-riddled 2025 with the Kansas City Royals. He arrives as a classic high-risk, high-reward arm, and his power fastball might be exactly what the Cubs have been missing.

Hunter Harvey to Cubs: Contract Details and Context

Multiple reports say the Cubs and Hunter Harvey agreed to a one-year contract. The deal guarantees the right-hander $6 million.

It’s a short-term commitment. Chicago gets the potential upside without tying up long-term payroll, while Harvey gets a platform year to re-establish his value.

At 31, Harvey joins a bullpen in transition. The Cubs front office has moved aggressively to overhaul a group that lacked impact stuff and strikeout punch recently.

Chicago’s winter blueprint has been obvious: add experienced, versatile relievers who can miss bats in big spots. It’s a strategy that feels overdue, honestly.

Why a One-Year Deal Makes Sense for Both Sides

For the Cubs, a one-year pact at this price is a manageable gamble on a pitcher whose stuff has rarely been in question. Harvey gets a shot to stay healthy, rack up innings, and maybe land a bigger payday next offseason if things finally break right.

Injury History vs. Strikeout Upside

Harvey’s career has been a tug-of-war between his electric arm and a body that just won’t always cooperate. The 2025 season with the Kansas City Royals summed that up pretty well.

The right-hander appeared in only 12 games, sidelined twice by significant injuries. Even in a small sample, he flashed the swing-and-miss stuff that keeps him on teams’ radar lists.

Inside Harvey’s 2025 Season with the Royals

Harvey’s year was derailed by two major setbacks:

Despite all that, Harvey struck out 11 batters in just 10.2 innings. He kept his reputation as a pure strikeout reliever intact.

For a Chicago bullpen desperate for power arms, that kind of bat-missing profile is exactly what the front office wants.

Career Track Record: Power Stuff When Available

Across seven MLB seasons, Harvey’s track record is clear—when he’s on the mound, hitters rarely enjoy the experience. He’s racked up 201 strikeouts in 185 career innings, showing he can overpower lineups with high-end velocity and sharp secondary pitches.

Harvey was a highly touted prospect, selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. His path since then has been winding, taking him through several organizations and roles.

From First-Round Pick to Journeyman Reliever

Harvey’s worn a few uniforms on his way to Chicago:

Now, with the Chicago Cubs, Harvey walks into a situation where innings and opportunity are available—if he can finally stay healthy.

Cubs’ Bullpen Overhaul: Building a Deeper Relief Corps

The Harvey signing isn’t a one-off move. It’s another piece in a bigger plan to rebuild the bullpen with experience, variety, and swing-and-miss potential.

Chicago’s been busy reshaping its relief unit this offseason. Alongside Harvey, the Cubs have already added:

How Harvey Fits into the Cubs’ Late-Inning Mix

If he stays healthy, Harvey jumps right into the conversation as a high-leverage option. The Cubs can use him in the seventh, eighth, or even ninth inning when they really need strikeouts.

His fastball packs serious heat. That’s something the Cubs have missed at times, and it could shift the odds in their favor during close games.

The Cubs are making a calculated bet here. They’re hoping this is finally the year Hunter Harvey’s health matches his talent.

If that happens, a $6 million investment could look like a steal for a team with big summer plans at Wrigley Field.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Cubs, RHP Harvey agree to 1-year deal