The Chicago Cubs have made a roster move ahead of their series opener against the New York Mets on Tuesday, adding right-handed pitcher Jayden Murray to the bullpen. The 29-year-old was recently acquired by Jed Hoyer and the Cubs, who traded Double-A prospect Cameron Sisneros to the Houston Astros this past weekend, hours after a bullpen meltdown at Wrigley Field against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Murray was originally picked by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 23rd round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Dixie State. The 698th overall pick made it up to the big leagues in 2025 with the Astros. Murray was fantastic in his first MLB stint, posting a 1.54 ERA in nine games a year ago, but the righty was hit around this season, which ultimately landed him back in the minors.
The Cubs continue to experiment in the bullpen, looking for anyone to help stabilize a unit that has raised major concerns in recent weeks. Murray was officially placed on the 26-man roster, replacing right-handed pitcher Gavin Hollowell in the bullpen.
We’ll see if Murray can hold down a spot after he recorded a 7.43 ERA in 13.1 innings with the Astros this season. He was able to dominate at the Triple-A level, posting an impressive 1.17 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 15.2 innings in Houston’s system prior to the trade.
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Cubs Trade for Pitcher Jayden Murray
The front office has added several relievers since the beginning of the regular season, and the latest is Jayden Murray from the Houston Astros.
Murray, 29, doesn’t have much MLB experience. The right-handed pitcher made his debut in the big leagues with the Astros in 2025, making nine total appearances for Houston. He pitched well, a 1.54 ERA with an 8K/3BB ratio over 11.2 innings. Murray didn’t have the same luck this year, recording a 7.43 ERA in 13.1 innings.
He features five pitches, but Murray primarily leans on his fastball, which averages 95-96mph, pairing it with a sweeper. Murray’s done well at Triple-A this year, with 19 strikeouts in 15.1 innings, giving up only two earned runs, while recording six saves in 14 total appearances.
Hopefully, Murray can be more successful than the previous ex-Astros relievers, as he’ll follow in the footsteps of Hector Neris, Ryan Pressly, and Maton. Murray still has three minor league option years, so the Cubs can hold on to him for a while if he does become a positive presence in the bullpen.
