The Chicago Cubs have a clear objective moving forward: if you’ve ever had prior MLB experience, are available, and your arm hasn’t fallen off, then you’re hired. In one of their latest bullpen moves, the Cubs have added a former Milwaukee Brewers stud, who will hopefully recapture his 2023 magic now that he’s back with Craig Counsell.
Well, technically not yet, because right-handed pitcher Bryse Wilson was claimed off waivers earlier this week from the Philadelphia Phillies, but he hasn’t been bumped up to the active roster just yet. Wilson, 28, made one relief appearance with the Phillies before he was designated for assignment. It was a scoreless, two-inning outing and it was a glimpse of how he could be utilized in the Cubs’ bullpen once he’s on the roster.
Back in 2023, Wilson had the best season of his MLB career, posting a 2.58 ERA in 53 games. In 23 of those outings for the Brewers, Wilson recorded at least four outs, and he also pitched at least two innings 17 times. The Cubs desperately need anyone who can cover innings because the injuries in the starting rotation have trickled down into depleting the bullpen. Relievers have been overexposed, overworked, and, in a few cases, flat-out bad.
Wilson came up as a starting pitcher with the Atlanta Braves, but he never held on to a role in the big leagues. He finally got more of an opportunity in 2021, getting 16 starts between the Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, before another 20 starts in 2022. The numbers weren’t good, and Counsell found a way to get Wilson on the right track by getting him into favorable situations as a multi-inning reliever in Milwaukee.
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In 2026, Wilson is stretched out as a starter, making 11 starts in Triple-A for the Phillies farm system. In 54.1 innings, Wilson has a 23.8 K% with a 6.29 ERA, but a 4.05 FIP.
Throughout his MLB career, Wilson has fared much better out of the bullpen compared to being a starting pitcher, as the righty has a 3.97 ERA as a reliever in 201.2 innings against a 5.44 ERA as a starter in 261.1 innings.
Right now, it doesn’t really matter who pitches when; the Cubs just need anyone who can come in and get outs.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-handed pitcher Christian Roa for assignment. Roa, a right-handed pitcher, was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles back in May. Roa never made it up to the Cubs after posting a 7.71 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 11.2 innings at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.
