Last week, the Chicago Cubs suffered another kick to the gut as Matthew Boyd had to be held out from his return from the injured list. Then, the team gave out a few more injury updates, and they were mostly depressing.
Hunter Harvey
This one is just a real bummer. Hunter Harvey was signed to become one of the team’s high-leverage arms in the bullpen, and he actually threw hard! However, it’s not like Harvey came without any risks. He was phenomenal with the Kansas City Royals in 2025, entered this year with a career 3.11 ERA, but Harvey was also returning from an injury last year, pitching in a total of 12 games.
In 2026, Harvey has only appeared in four games with the Cubs, and he’s been sidelined with an injury for a few months, last pitching on April 8, against the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-handed pitcher suffered a triceps strain, and according to the Chicago Tribune’s Meghan Montemurro, Harvey has not made any significant progress in his recovery.
The Cubs signed Harvey to a one-year guaranteed contract that includes a $5 million salary for the 2026 season, followed by a 2027 mutual option worth $8 million with a $1 million buyout. As this year progresses, it appears this will be a $6 million gamble that has severely backfired on Jed Hoyer and the Cubs.
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Tyler Austin
Hey, remember this guy? The Cubs signed the veteran hitter, who had a few monster seasons in Japan. It was a modest $1.25 million deal, but the right-handed hitting slugger was in line to be on the Opening Day roster as the backup to Michael Busch at first base as well as another option to fill in as the designated hitter. However, a knee surgery quickly erased that possibility in spring training.
Austin underwent a patellar tendon debridement procedure on his right knee in February. At the time of the procedure, his timetable to return was said to be months, with a potential return in the second half of the season possible. Now? Well, the Cubs aren’t even sure if Austin will play in 2026. Austin’s status remains questionable four months after his knee surgery.
Austin was a two-time All-Star with the Bay Stars in Japan and won the 2024 batting title as well. In 2024, Austin had a slash line of .316/.382/.601, with 25 home runs in 106 games. He hit .219/.292/.451, with 33 home runs in 583 plate appearances in MLB with the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers combined from 2016-19.
A pair of free agents that were expected to contribute are seemingly going to be complete non-factors for the 2026 Cubs. Not great.
