Former Chicago Cubs reliever Justin Wilson has re-entered free agency. After signing a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February, the 36-year-old has opted out and is seeking his next opportunity.
Wilson has been on the comeback trail as he hasn't appeared in an MLB game since the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Reds. In just five outings that season, he posted a 2.45 ERA before needing Tommy John surgery.
The left-hander's track was stop-and-go from there. He signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023 before experiencing a setback in his rehab from the surgery.
At this stage of his career, Wilson could still provide value at a low cost for the Chicago Cubs. As it stands, the Cubs bullpen figures to be predominantly right-handed. Luke Little and Drew Smyly appear to be the only lefty options among the North Siders' relief corps.
For a team that isn't trying to break the bank on any further reinforcements, reuniting with Wilson could be worthwhile. If the southpaw can rebound from his recent injuries, he could provide Craig Counsell some variance in the bullpen.
The Cubs had scouts in attendance for veteran Ken Giles' workout in January, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that they've kept eyes on Wilson. Chicago's additions of Mark Leiter Jr. and Julian Merryweather prove that it never hurts to monitor pitchers who have been overlooked by their previous organizations.
While Wilson likely wouldn't deliver value comparable to what the Cubs got when trading for him in 2017, his handedness could prove worthwhile on a low-cost deal.
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