Cubs Sign 2022 MLB Wins Leader to Minor League Deal

Kyle Wright aims to regain his dominant 2022 form with the Cubs

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Kyle Wright to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Wright led the MLB in wins in 2022 while pitching for the Atlanta Braves, but has spent the last two seasons in the minors dealing with injuries. The Cubs are hoping Wright can return to his 2022 form and bolster their already deep starting rotation.

Why it matters

Wright's dominant 2022 season, in which he won 21 games with a 3.19 ERA, made him one of the top pitchers in baseball. If he can regain that form, he would provide a major boost to the Cubs' pitching staff as they aim to contend for a playoff spot. The Cubs already have a deep rotation, so Wright will have to earn his spot, but his potential upside makes this a low-risk, high-reward signing for the team.

The details

Wright has only pitched in games for the Atlanta Braves at the MLB level, but he left that organization in 2023, one year after leading the league in wins. The last two seasons, Wright has pitched in the minor leagues for the Kansas City Royals, but has been hampered by injuries. He elected free agency at the end of 2025 after being removed from the Royals' 40-man roster. Now, the 28-year-old Wright will look to get his career back on track with the Cubs, who have a crowded but talented starting rotation.

  • Wright led the MLB in wins in 2022 while pitching for the Atlanta Braves.
  • Wright spent the last two seasons pitching in the minor leagues for the Kansas City Royals.
  • Wright elected free agency at the end of the 2025 season.

The players

Kyle Wright

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who led the MLB in wins in 2022 while pitching for the Atlanta Braves, but has spent the last two seasons in the minor leagues dealing with injuries.

Chicago Cubs

The MLB team that has signed Kyle Wright to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, hoping he can regain his dominant 2022 form and bolster their already deep starting rotation.

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What’s next

Wright will have to earn a spot in the Cubs' starting rotation during Spring Training, as the team already has a deep group of starters. If he can regain the form he showed in 2022, he could provide a major boost to the Cubs' playoff hopes.

The takeaway

This low-risk, high-reward signing by the Cubs could pay major dividends if Wright is able to recapture the dominant form he displayed in 2022. The Cubs are already loaded with starting pitching talent, so Wright will have to prove himself, but his potential upside makes this a smart move for the team as they look to contend in 2026.