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Milwaukee Brewers: yet another former starting pitcher signed by Chicago Cubs for 2025 postseason push

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 11:16 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers, finally, are enjoying a day off from playing baseball after going through a grueling stretch where they had to play 19 games in 18 days. At the beginning of that run, they led the National League Central Division by 8.0 games over the Chicago Cubs. Now, they lead it by 5.5 after going 9-10 over the last 19 games.

One can hardly fault the Brewers for struggling in these contests due to the lack of rest. Their bullpen is now more depleted than ever, with All-Star closer Trevor Megill on the injured list and trade deadline acquisition Shelby Miller almost surely to follow.

Despite their recent struggles, though, their lead over the Cubs is still significant and Milwaukee remains the team with the best record in Major League Baseball.

As the regular season dwindles down, other teams are shoring up their rosters hoping to catch the Brewers, and Chicago is looking to rely on some of Milwaukee’s former players to do it.

The Chicago Cubs signed former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Joe Ross

Milwaukee Brewers: yet another former starting pitcher signed by Chicago Cubs for 2025 postseason push 4 Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, the Cubs loaded up on some former Brewers players, signing first baseman Carlos Santana and pitcher Aaron Civale. The addition of Civale was met with some humorous responses from Brewers fans because he will be coming out of Chicago’s bullpen. As many will recall, Milwaukee wanted him to come out of the bullpen, but he demanded they trade him instead.

The Brewers traded him to the Chicago White Sox for first baseman Andrew Vaughn, who has become a fan-favorite in Milwaukee.

But the Cubs were not done. On Monday, it was reported that they signed former Brewers starter Joe Ross to a minor league deal.

Cubs Sign Joe Ross To Minor League Deal https://t.co/AG65zkjDPA pic.twitter.com/bqKdODwkjL

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) September 2, 2025

Ross appeared in 25 games (10 starts) for the Brewers in 2024, going 3-6 with a 3.77 ERA. He spent most of his lone season in Milwaukee on the injured list and was an easy player for the organization to allow to leave in free agency this past winter.

He ended up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, but was 2-1 with a 5.17 ERA in 37 games (one start) for them this season. Philadelphia released him back on August 26.

Now he joins a Cubs organization that will likely look to use him as a callup later in September as they rest their regular pitchers for the postseason.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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