Bolstering the Bullpen: Cubs Add 3 Arms to Arsenal

Kelly makes his way to the Cubs via the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 6-foot-5 lefty has yet to make his MLB debut. The lefty was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 13th round out of high school, but didn’t sign in 2018 and was re-drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Kelly is also a Park Ridge, IL native and played his high school ball at Maine Township HS East.

Across seven minor-league seasons, Kelly owns a 4.78 ERA. Kelly was once a starter, but was moved to the bullpen full-time in 2023. In 2026, Kelly sports a 5.14 ERA in 23 appearances.

RHP Andrew Wantz

Wantz has been around the majors since 2021, when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels. He had a strong three-season stretch from 2021 to 2023, but only appeared in one game with the Angels in 2024 and was not even in the majors in 2025.

Wantz had a small stint with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2026, but only saw one major-league game before he was granted free agency by the Rays on June 3.

In 2025, Wantz was dominant in the minors, posting a 0.69 ERA in just 12 games. He earned his chance with the Rays, but was underwhelming in the majors and minors, posting a 7.04 ERA with Triple-A Durham.

Now, Wantz will get a chance at redemption. The Cubs need all the healthy arms they can get, and Wantz’s veteran status will be something that Craig Counsell leans on. However, we’ll likely see him in Triple-A Iowa first.

RHP Eduarniel Nunez

Nunez is no stranger to the Chicago Cubs. As a former farmhand, Nunez spent time in the organization from 2017 all the way through 2024. In 2025, he landed with the San Diego Padres and Athletics organizations before ending up with the Baltimore Orioles in 2026.

Nunez struggled in the majors last season with the A’s, but was respectable in limited work with the Padres. Nunez posted a 3.86 ERA in San Diego before posting a 9.00 ERA in six games with the A’s. Nonetheless, Nunez is a familiar face and has traits that the Cubs are looking for.

The righty is a flame thrower, routinely hitting 98 mph and landing in the 95th percentile of all pitchers. He doesn’t get barreled a lot and generates a lot of whiffs. He relies almost exclusively on a four-seam fastball/slider mix, but he also possesses a curveball that he mixes in at a very low clip.

Per the transactions page, he has reported to Arizona to start. However, he is certainly a name the Cubs could turn to at some point this summer.

What’s On Tap Next?

For the Cubbies, its all about health of their pitching staff. Jameson Taillon has now hit the injured list with a hamstring strain, meaning the team’s pitching depth will be tested further. All three of the pitchers the Cubs acquired are absolutely in play for meaningful innings with summer. Until trades become a real possibility, Jed Hoyer and Co. will be turning to waiver-wire pickups such as these to fill in the holes.